A fundraising campaign for a new facility for L'Arche Stratford is picking up steam.
Elaine Clark Siberry, the Campaign Chair, says L'Arche Stratford is part of a global network of facilities that offer assistance and supports to adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Clark Siberry says the fundraising campaign is called Be, Belong, Become, and it started from looking for a new building back in 2016. Originally they wanted to renovate an old school, but plans changed during the pandemic.
"Now we are planning to build a one-storey building which will include 8 independent living suites, a good area for activities, and it will include our offices, as well," Clark Siberry explained.
Clark Siberry says the support for the campaign, which has a $6.5 million goal, has been huge.
"I think that is testament to people's belief in our mission and the want to see this project succeed. At the moment we've raised $3.8 million, so we're around 60 percent of our goal. So we've still got a long way to go and we really appreciate people's help in meeting that goal," Clark Siberry said.
In terms of the importance of a new facility and what it would mean, Clark Siberry notes that the services they provide are desperately needed in the area they serve, which is Perth and Huron counties.
"In 2021, as an example, there were 486 requests for residential support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Out of those 486 requests, 11 could be met. So that's 475 families that are crying out for help to care for a loved one," Clark Siberry pointed out.
For 11 years, Clark Siberry has been working with the L'Arche Stratford board and says the work they do is incredibly important and enriching.
Recently, L'Arche Stratford announced more funding in the form of donations from Tradition Mutual for $25,000 as well as a $7,500 donation from West End Pharmacy. The pharmacy has now committed $22,500 after the most recent donation.
You can find out more about the Be, Belong, Become campaign by visiting the L'Arche Stratford website at https://www.larchestratford.ca/. You can also email them at admin@larche.stratford.on.ca or call them at 519-271-9751 ext. 224 if you wish to donate.