With a $150,000 fundraising goal to install an elevator at L'Arche Sudbury, the organization is grateful for any donation to help them realize that dream.
The federal government answered that call on March 7 with a $50,000 grant through the Enabling Accessibility Fund.
Jennifer McCauley, community leader, L'Arche Sudbury, said when the home on Roy Avenue was built in 2001, they knew accessibility was always going to be an issue, and that has remained a priority for them since.
This particular L'Arche home is for seniors with intellectual disabilities and those who have complex needs. It is shared by those members and their assistants. The idea is to live a shared life for all who call it home, but that can't happen right now, because the rooms for those with intellectual disabilities are on the second floor, and the rooms for the assistants are on the third floor, and our day support services for our seniors are in the basement.
“We're limited because we don't have access to all three floors of the home,” McCauley said.
L'Arche Sudbury started the fundraising campaign in September for an elevator to be installed.
“We knew when we transitioned to a senior model home, we could no longer hold off on raising funds for an elevator,” McCauley said. “We had some seed money provided by a donor, and we've held some fundraising events. This money brings us to about $85,000 of our goal. We have a very committed board, and they know this is a priority and are committed to raising the rest of the funds. The goal is to have the elevator installed this year.”
L'Arche Sudbury was one of five organizations to receive funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Since its creation, it has funded more than 2,890 projects.
Also receiving funding on Wednesday were Sudbury Community Foundation — Ridgecrest AccessABILITY improvements ($26,867); Health Sciences North — Sudbury Outpatient Clinic improvements ($19,357); Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin — EMPower audio-visual alarm system ($7,867); Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie — Hearing loop system at Holy Redeemer Church ($3,786).
