For the first time, Neighbours, a local division of A Better World Canada, is reaching out to a family in Red Deer.
Neighbours assists families who are facing overwhelming circumstances by taking on a renovation or expansion project. They provide volunteer labour and donated materials and funds.
This year’s recipients are Angela Trca and Todd Bawtinheimer, who need renovations to their home to allow continued home care for their daughter, Nyah, eight. She was born with a chromosomal disorder that left her with severe medical and mobility issues. As she gets older, it has become more challenging for her family to care for her in a home that was not designed for accessibility.
As well, the existing equipment, such as the ceiling lift, no longer meets their needs.
Bawtinheimer was seriously injured in a workplace accident recently and the family’s income has been reduced.
The estimated $20,000 renovation project will include upgrades to the bathroom, doorways and possibly living room to make these areas more accessible by wheelchair and to ease the provision of care.
This is the third Neighbours project in Central Alberta and the first in Red Deer.
A Better World is a Central Alberta-based international development organization that is managed and supported by volunteers.