Stratford Ontario August 29th, 2024
L’Arche Stratford announces $4 million raised for the Be Belong Become capital campaign
L’Arche Stratford held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Avondale United Church on Wednesday, August 28th. To the delight of its members, it was announced the agency has raised $ 4 million of its $6.5 million goal for the Be Belong Become capital campaign.
The capital campaign will see the construction of a new community hub at 426 Britannia Street in Stratford. The 15,000 sq. ft. centre will provide eight new supported independent living units, increasing L’Arche Stratford’s capacity by 65 per cent and reducing the waitlist for service by 30 per cent.
Campaign Fundraising Committee Chair, Dennis Goforth says surpassing the $4 million mark is a huge achievement for the L’Arche community, “In our 51-year history we have never had a capital campaign. This new community hub for adults with developmental disabilities will provide generational change with housing and supervised activities in the greater Stratford area. We want to thank those who have already committed to this amazing milestone project. We still need your help. We have a long way to go to reach our goal of $6.5 million but we are confident that Stratford and area will show their generosity as they have for other projects that make this the best place to live.”
L’Arche Stratford membership also voted in its Board of Directors at its AGM. The following people will serve on its Board for 2024/25: Tony Read (President), Martin Kern (Vice-President/Treasurer, George Jansen (Interim Secretary), Elaine Clark-Siberry (Past President), Christopher Cantlon, Jeff Cunningham, Beth Lynes, Marlin Nagtegaal and Greg Young. The membership thanked Dianne McCabe, who is retiring, for her 14 years of dedication to L’Arche Stratford as a board member.
Site plans for the property on 426 Britannia have been submitted to the City of Stratford for approval. Once approval is granted the tendering process for contractors will begin with the hope of beginning to dig a foundation soon.
The next fundraising event for the Be Belong Become capital campaign will be the 9th Annual Walk N’ Roll with L’Arche on October 19th at the Upper Queen’s Park Bandshell. To donate to the Be Belong Become capital campaign call 519-271-9751 ext. 224.
L’Arche Stratford is part of an international organization that began in France in 1964. Founded in Stratford in 1973, L’Arche Stratford became the fourth community globally. L’Arche Stratford’s mission is to “make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships.” The organization currently supports approximately 35 people in six homes with a vision to grow and welcome more people with developmental disabilities into L’Arche Stratford through housing and activities.
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