LETHBRIDGE – A substantial donation was made by Scotiabank Friday, with two cheques totaling $30,000 presented to Lethbridge Family Services.
The majority, $20,000, will go towards improving a walking track throughout the main facility, allowing clients like Cara to walk out of their wheelchairs.
“She’s not able to propel that wheelchair independently. So, she relies on other people to take her where she wants to go, and to understand what she wants,” walking track trainer with LFS, Michelle Gjerlaug, said. “When she’s walking in the walking track, all that is given back to her. That opportunity to make those decisions again is just fabulous.”
Ten thousand dollars will help with dental work needed for Syrian refugees in the city. It will be used for necessary and emergency dental work for refugees, helping improve their ability to eat and nourish themselves. Program director for immigrant services at LFS, Sarah Amies, said after giving a young refugee a tooth brush and tooth paste back in January, she knew dental care was a major priority.
“That child’s eyes lit up, the smile spread across her face,” Amies said. “She had not seen or used a toothbrush in four years… and she could not wait for the feeling of brushed teeth, and minty taste in her mouth…it was just so moving to me.”
Russel Jensen is the branch manager for Scotiabank in Lethbridge, and he was visibly moved by the contribution his company made to the community.
“We’re talking about some of the people that are in the most vulnerable situations here,” Jensen said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity as a corporate entity to be able to throw our support behind a community organization that does make a difference for these people.”
It’s a difference that can clearly be seen in Cara’s life.
“It’s just amazing, because you see the minute she stands up the way her face lights up,” Gjerlaug said. “We have other individuals, as well, that just love to go on that track and be able to move again.”