The Olds Association for Community Living is back on their feet after an up and down couple of months.
The OACL helps people with disabilities with 24 hour care, supported independent living, respite and proprietorship.
The organization was victim of 3 break ins in April, one of which leading to an arson incident in which significant damage was done to their building on 51st street in Olds.
The fire also destroyed their community van, which was used for grocery runs by one of the association’s clients.
A fundraising campaign was launched in the weeks that followed, and has successfully raised enough money to replace the van.
OACL Executive Directory, Cari Leach, says it’s been a up and down couple of months but thanks the community for supporting them through it.
“It’s been pretty tumultuous the last couple months. We had the two break-ins and then the third break-in resulting in the arson, which was, of course, devastating. We lost our van, and we lost a lot of sporting equipment out of the garage. However, we launched the fundraising campaign, and we raised enough money to purchase a new van. We had sporting equipment donated to us. So we are just really, really grateful for all the help that we received.”
She thanks the Olds Lions Club, Olds Community Chorus, Hildebrand Motors and the Kiwanis Club of Olds for their significant contributions to their cause.
Leach says she’s unsure of what the future holds for their location on 51st street, but knows they will always put their clients first.
“Well, we’re unsure of what’s going to happen to to the garage that was attached to our building. However, we do have plans to rebuild so that that can be a bigger space for our individuals to come in and watch movies or have dances or what have you. The organization is moving forward. I think that this has made us stronger and it’s made us more united to provide the best service that we can for individuals.”
There is still a way to donate to Olds Association for Community Living, e transfers can be sent to fundraiser@OACL.ca