Tom Henihan
Express Staff
On February 6, New Horizon Co-op presented Falher Friendship Corner Association (FFCA)with a cheque for $10,000.
The cheque contributes to FFCA’s fundraising project for the purchase of an additional 24-hour, residential housing facility.
FFCA Executive director Carol Boucher L’Abbe, Paulette Gosselin and a number of FFCA clients were at New Horizon Co-op Hardware Store for the cheque presentation.
Representing New Horizons Co-op were Tyrone Rolling, Co-op Petroleum Manager, Dennis Johnson Co-op’s assistant petroleum manager, Volodymyr Shustval Co-op Hardware Store Manager, and grocery store department managers, Kyle Heyn, Miranda Fournier, employee Karen Dayon and Ryan Roy, New Horizon Co-op Branch Division Manager.
“I work for Co-op but I am also on the FFCA Board so we are basically going out from business to business and trying to raise money that way,” says Ryan Roy. “So it is a community initiative.”
Falher Friendship Corner Association’s mission is to provide services and support to people with developmental disabilities, and help these individuals achieve the quality of life and level of independence to which they aspire.
Since its inception as a school in 1969, the FFCA has broadened its mandate as a non-profit charitable organization, continuing to expanding its programming and at this time offers support in such vital areas as residential, community access, independent living, respite and employment.
In a home owned by the Association, FFCA provides 24-hour residential support to five people.
The FFCA also provides hourly support in people’s homes based on each individual’s particular needs and preferences.
However, to address a need for additional 24-hour residential support, the FFCA is looking to acquire a second property and has identified a suitable residence in Falher.
The property, listed at $399,900, could accommodate six residents and employ up to eight people.
Originally designed for seniors, the property has wider hallways and doorways than conventional homes making it suitable for people with disabilities.
The FFCA fundraising campaign for residential housing is an ongoing project and if people want to learn more about the project or make a contribution, they can contact Ryan Roy at (780) 837.1306.
“We are campaigning individuals and local businesses to raise money for this property,” says Bouchard L’abbe. “This endeavor would create jobs and help keep individuals in our community. Any amount of funding should you decide to help us would be appreciated.”