Giving women support Labis

It was all smiles at Labis last week for a $6,200 cheque donation from the 100+Women Who Care Lloydminster giving group. From left: Client Brian Meagher, board chair Laurie Harris, Labiis executive director, Michelle Neufeld, 100+women reps, Sherri Stephens, Janice Haughian and Heather Dow and board member Paul Tremblay. Geoff Lee Meridian Source

 

Life can turn on a dime with a brain injury and it can take thousands of dollars to provide survivors with special programming and support each year.

The Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society (Labis) is better able to provide these services locally thanks to a $6,200 donation from the 100+ Women Who Care Lloydminster.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Labis executive director, Michelle Neufeld, at a cheque presentation at their location on 44 Street last week.

“Any donation is substantial to this organization. This will be an incredible help and it’s great for our organization as well.” 

Neufeld says every dollar they receive stays within their organization and community to provide free programs to brain injury survivors.

Their long-term goal is to fund a new space in a quieter area of the city.

The donation to Labis was decided by 100+ women that meet three times a year to donate $100 each to one of the three charitable organizations the group chooses to support each time.

A total of 62 Lloydminster women met at Rolling Green in October and voted to donate $100 each to Labis with Grace United Church and Big Brothers, Big Sisters Lloydminster also making donation bids.

She went on to speak about the impact of receiving those Christmas cards and money from students, donated by Hurd and her former afternoon teaching partner, Scott Lyons, before he retired.

“I was just so floored by the fact there was a teacher teaching and sharing all this kindness. I was so amazed,” said Amanda.

“We are so busy in December and that stopped me right in my tracks. We read every single handwritten note from the students so thank you so much.”

She and Trevor took the opportunity to present Hurd with a cheque for $2,000 for her to spread more kindness locally.

“I’m allowed to spread it to whomever I want to and I’m going to choose the Lloydminster HUB of Healing,” said Hurd.

“They’re actually going to come and speak to all Grade 6 students on Thursday morning (Dec. 7).”

Hurd says it is all so amazing for her and the school.

“It’s very special to be recognized in this way,” she said.

School principal, Sheldon Gallagher, says the event is likely the highlight of the entire school year.

“It’s pretty cool and it’s neat to see how many connections there are amongst people. Social media really helps draw that out,” he said.

“It’s a pretty amazing sign of kindness from that family.”

Trevor the Grinch calls Hurd a fantastic lady. 

“I like everything she does,” noting the timing of her school’s donation a couple of years ago to one of their 12 Days of Giving projects to spread kindness.

“It’s important year-round, but this seems to be the bigger time of need for people.”

Gallagher also gave a shoutout to Hurd, who can continue to spread kindness with the cheque donation. 

“She’s already continuing her journey of giving back and it’s pretty special,” he said.

“She’s a good staff member and a good person in the community. I am very proud of her.”

Trevor noted he is no stranger to Lloydminster, having some family members here and some recreational ties.

“Growing up playing hockey, I played a few tournaments here and my son’s had a few tournaments here as well,” he said.

Trevor’s dad and uncles started the business in Leduc more than 50 years ago and Amanda recently opened their second location in the West Edmonton Mall. 

They originally started 12 Days of Giving to thank customers for coming to their store.

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Geoff Lee
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