Aspire’s building in downtown Red Deer is quiet right now, as preschool classes, assessments and consultations are paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Aspire team misses seeing their special kiddos every day, staff working remotely are finding creative ways to deliver services and support safely online, or by distance, to children and families, says Michelle Sluchinski, Executive Director of Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre in Red Deer.
Serving Central Alberta families for 35 years, Aspire has grown from a small group of dedicated parents and professionals to a large, charitable organization providing hope to children with special needs, the families who love them and the communities that care for them. The Aspire team provides assessment and early intervention services, consults for children in schools, works closely with other community providers and agencies, and provides training.
“Many of you are asking what you can do to help. Thank you,” Sluchinski says. “Working together is at the heart of Aspire, and though we’re physically apart, people connected to this place are always inspired to pull together.
Children’s Raffle presents 3 amazing prizes
Supporting fee assistance for families, specialized equipment purchases, and programs for local children with special needs, the popular annual Aspire Children’s Raffle is back! Tickets just $5 each and offering the chance to win one of three awesome prizes!
- 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, valued at $41,590, from Southside Dodge Chrysler Jeep & RV Centre and R&R Rentals.
- A gorgeous white gold diamond ring, valued at $7,500, from Artemis Jewellers.
- $2,500 cash, from Servus Credit Union.
Purchase tickets online at aspirespecialneeds.ca/events/raffle or call
The Children’s Raffle, which sold out in 2019 to raise $47,965, increased its ticket count by 1,000 with a goal of raising $55,000 in 2020.
Prize winners will be drawn and announced May 8.
“Parents and families have been a driving force of the Children’s Raffle ticket sales each year as they know first-hand how Aspire has positively affected their lives. They understand how important our programs and services are to the Central Alberta community,” Sluchinski says.
How you can help today:
Donate at aspirespecialneeds.ca/get-involved/donate, call
“Thank you so very much for your support of the children with special needs served at Aspire!” Sluchinski says.
