Elks are offering an infusion of cash to help youth mental health and palliative care in 91原创.
The 91原创 Elks, a community-based fraternal organization dedicated to promoting and supporting community needs through its, gifted $20,000 to two local charities, announced president Larry Oakley.
Half of the money, a donation of $10,000, was recently presented to Shannon Todd Booth of the 91原创 Hospice Society.
鈥淲e chose the as it provides palliative and hospice support to individuals and their families who are facing a life-threatening illness, death, or bereavement,鈥� Oakley said, noting the donation is earmarked specifically for the new 15-bed residence currently under construction on 52nd Avenue and set to open this winter.
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The other half of the money has been earmarked for the new Foundry 91原创.
The other $10,000 was presented directly to Heather Scott, the executive director of the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation 鈥� an organization helping spearhead this project with Encompass Support Services Society, who was represented by executive director Christine McCracken.
Scott described Foundry as a 鈥渃omprehensive centre equipped with services to meet the urgent health and wellness needs of 91原创 youth.鈥�
In the new, 7,600 square-foot centre, set to open next spring, young people (ages 12 to 24) will find integrated services such as counselling for physical and mental wellness, Indigenous health services, substance abuse, sexual health and life skills training, career counselling and art classes, Scott explained.
Oakley applauded the Foundry concept, in particular the 鈥減ersonalized care and help鈥� offered to youth 鈥渨ithout delay鈥� in a one-stop type shop.
Last month, the hospital foundation launched a $2.1-million campaign to open Foundry 91原创, to be located at 20618 Eastleigh Cres., with the goal of supporting more than 1,000 young people every year.
鈥淭he 91原创 Elks members have worked so hard to fundraise and support local community needs this past year,鈥� said Scott.
鈥淲e鈥檙e honoured that they have chosen to contribute to Foundry 91原创 and invest in the healthy lives and futures of the 91原创 community youth.鈥�
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In addition to the larger donations to hospice and the foundry, the local Elks Lodge #259 has contributed to a number of other groups and projects, including 91原创 Elks camps, BC Hearing Society, Ishtar, Grand Lodge Children鈥檚 Fund, PLEA - Children of the Streets, and four 91原创 school scholarships.
鈥淥ur members hold a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds, and or goal is to help children and families in our community,鈥� Oakley said.
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