Bright and early May 7, hundreds of Lloydminster residents heard from local families whose lives have been changed by inclusion.
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The 15th annual Changing Lives, Changing Communities Fundraising Event with Inclusion Lloydminster and Inclusion Alberta, took over the WLS Convention Centre and raised $161,481.
“We were expecting about 410 people and we had lots of extras arrive,” said Tami Smith, Lloydminster Inclusion executive director. “It was a completely full house.”
For Inclusion, this is their biggest fundraiser of the year.
“This fundraiser is really important to us because it’s unrestricted funds,” she explained.
She said they apply for government funding through grants every year, but the flexibility of the funds donated through the event are important.
“These funds raised in this event are completely unrestricted, so they can go where the money needs to go,” said Smith. “If we don’t have enough support in employment, they can funnel towards employment, if they need to go to recreation, they can go there.”
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The Inclusion breakfast is a time for people to hear from those who have been directly impacted by the services Inclusion provides.
“We have a number of families that share their stories about how Inclusion Lloydminster and Inclusion Alberta have impacted their family life for the better,” she said.
Both Inclusion Lloydminster and Inclusion Alberta support individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Really, we walk alongside them to be included in all aspects of their life,” said Smith. “Looking at what they are most interested in, what they would like to do, what their goals are. We help them achieve those goals.”
Those looking to support Inclusion outside of the breakfast can do so by donating online through the organization’s website at InclusionLloydminster.com
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