(Above from left) Community Living Huntsville executive director Cathy Stroud, supporter Judith Ruan, artist Tristan Metcalf, supporter Gary Donald, and board chair Anne Collins
Since Community Living Huntsville’s Investing in Inclusion breakfast on May 4, $69,073 has been raised for programs in support of adults with developmental disabilities in our community. It’s a number that thrills Executive Director Cathy Stroud.
“Going into that morning just over $25,000 had been raised thanks to our leadership challenge. And in just over one hour we raised $15,135 in gifts and pledges and we received news that we would be one of the recipients of the Mayor’s Golf Tournament. We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our community.”
But the support didn’t end there. Pledges and gifts continued to arrive. Local people called to ask how they could help. Huntsville’s Royal Bank of Canada branch contributed $1.000 and also helped beautify Community Living’s garden last week. Band on the Run has chosen Community Living as the 2017 recipients of the marathon’s fundraising. And a local dentist is working on a Muskoka’s Got Talent show for November and has designated Community Living Huntsville as the recipient of funds raised.
Just a few months in, that puts their fund raising efforts 46 per cent of the way to their $150,000 goal. The funds raised will be used to create a program to support people with developmental disabilities who are not eligible for government-funded support; Community Living’s helping hand fund, which helps offset the cost of activities for families; and its access to community fund, which provides financial assistance for devices that improve accessibility.
“We are truly overwhelmed by what our community can do and the ripple effect of what can happen,” says Stroud. “An investment in inclusion goes far beyond money and directly impacts the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Community members are welcome to contact Community Living Huntsville to attend an inclusion tour or host one at your business, club or group. Visit clhuntsville.ca for more information.
Read more about the Investing in Inclusion breakfast on Doppler here: Community Living’s new Voices of Inclusion Society has raised $25,000 and counting
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Thank you Dawn!!!