The Red Deer Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the citizens in Central Alberta and to the media who continue to assist us in getting information out to the public about the need of financial support so that we can continue to provide services to those with learning disabilities or who work with those with learning disabilities.
At the AGM on June 10, the newly elected board consisting of Paul Pioveson – president, James Wilson – vice-president, Scott Deederly – interim secretary, Laura Freeman – treasurer, and Susan Scholfield – director gave a strong and energetic commitment to the association and have since held two board meetings to address the short-term, medium-term and long-term challenges of the association.
Fending off closure for another month after 21 years has met with a degree of success as confirmed financial assistance towards our 2010-2011 budget projections of $212,000 has come in the form of donations from: Sun Life Financial ($2,600), Cecil Holmes ($1,000), Ken Sproule ($1,000 who also challenges other Rotarians and businesses to donate), MindBodyFX ($200 donation plus challenge to other health and wellness professionals, plus is donating 2.5% of their first month’s profit on their new business venture), Bott Construction ($100), and Janis and Robin Brown ($50).
The Centennial Rotary Club and the Pediatric Consultants Group have pledged assistance although the amounts are as yet unknown. Additionally, the United Way is considering an emergency funding grant which will be decided upon in the near future.
To add to the excitement and support, a generous anonymous donation of three tickets to the Sept. 19 Justin Bieber Concert at Rexall Place in Edmonton was later complimented by the Silver Birch Hotels and Resorts Group with a donation of an executive suite at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre and includes breakfast the following morning. This package will be auctioned off on the radio at the end of June.
The LA Radio Group of Sunny 94 and the KRAZE and Big 105 have been instrumental in informing the public as have the Red Deer Express and the Red Deer Advocate.
Your continued support and interest has increased awareness and advocacy of the prevalence of learning disabilities in our area. Calls inquiring about our services have increased substantially over the past month.
With your continued support, the Red Deer Chapter anticipates better days ahead. Donations over $20 are eligible for a Charitable Tax Receipt and every dollar ensures our survival while we move forward.
All donations remain in Central Alberta with the majority utilized in serving the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County and surrounding areas.
Those with learning disabilities are some of our greatest entrepreneurs and most of them, if given the opportunity of a supportive network, will become the employers of our university graduates who receive the A and B grades.
These entrepreneurs process information differently, think outside of the box and some may even live outside of the box. Some already live this life as they recognized early on that they have a gift or ability that others do not possess.
Registrations continue for the Summer Reading, Writing and Math one-on-one multidisciplinary tutoring program beginning July 5 for ages five and up – seniors and the two social competence Kinship Camps for ages seven to nine and 10-12 years taking place starting July 12-16 and July 19-23. These week long day camps will be held at the Deer Park Community Centre. Please contact April or Andrea at 403-340-3885 for information and to secure a place for your child.
If you require more information about the LDAA-Red Deer Chapter, please contact me at your earliest convenience at 403-340-3885. I would be more than pleased to carry on this conversation with you.
Sheryl Krill
Executive Director, LDAA-Red Deer Chapter
