I am writing to you because I wanted to share this truly wonderful example of local businesses’ generosity and support for persons with disabilities.
A group of individuals served by Central Alberta Residence Society, developed a group called LAFT — Learning About Food Together. The purpose of this group is to learn culinary skills and healthy eating.
This group also wanted to further develop their culinary skills by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in the Home for Dinner Program. Often families staying at the RM House have other strains on their mind and spirit, and finding the time for their own nourishment can easily slip to the back burner ... so to speak.
In the Home for Dinner Program, the group volunteers to purchase groceries, prepare a meal for all families residing at the house, and clean up after dinner. They provide families who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House with a home-cooked meal.
Upon investigating this program, the group discovered that in order to participate, they needed to supply groceries as well as prepare the meals for the entire house. The individuals in LAFT are all on fixed incomes and are unable to contribute towards this expense. In addition, Central Alberta Residence Society — a non-profit agency — was unable to donate towards this cause.
The LAFT group decided to begin connecting in the community to recruit sponsorship. After many businesses were approached, much to our relief and with gratitude, Sobeys South donated groceries for two entire meals and then continued to sponsor the group with a discount on the groceries and meat cutting services at no charge. Olymel committed to donating the meat for the group to prepare the meals for the families. 360 Fitness donated money towards the cost of groceries. Sorento Custom Homes donated a large sum of money towards the cost of groceries.
The LAFT group feels very fortunate to be able to prepare several meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.
Further to their already generous contribution, Sorento Custom Homes approached a number of the businesses that they partner with. Ryall Plumbing and Heating, Thermo Pro Insulation Ltd., and Red Deer Electric all donated equal large amounts towards support of the activities of the individuals served by Central Alberta Residence Society, namely, an annual retreat that teaches leadership skills.
We are very appreciative of this great show of kindness and generosity from these businesses!
We wanted to share this story to ensure that the Red Deer community is aware of these businesses and organizations that care to make a difference in the lives of all the people in our community. Through the amazing generosity of all these organizations the members of the LAFT group now have the opportunity not only to learn and improve their culinary skills but to give back to their community, to be contributing proud members, paying it forward.
We would like to publicly say one very grateful and appreciative thank you to all our sponsors. Many thanks to you all!
Debbie Murray
Supervisor Self-Advocacy
CARS Self-Advocacy Group
Red Deer