At this time on behalf of the Langley Pos-Abilities Board of directors and volunteers it is my pleasure to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
First and foremost allow me to offer our heartfelt thanks for your generosity in 2015. Your ongoing help and support has allowed us to continue in our mandates. I would like to share with you some of our successes in 2015 that were made possible by your support. I also need to share with you what we are facing in 2016.
But first here are some of our very positive outcomes in 2015. Because of your support we were able to:
- One of our most interesting events this year was the "Try on a Disability Challenge". The challenge saw 10 well known members of our community spend four hours in a wheelchair while being filmed by students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Three of these films won scholarships for their creators. Those who participated learned firsthand about the challenges faced by people every single day. A list of these people is attached to this letter and you will see that some of them are in positions to bring about change. These videos are posted on our website.
- To date this year we have collected 22 pieces of equipment. These include wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs, lift chairs, walkers, bathroom aids etc. In 2015 we have provided20 pieces of equipment to people in need. The following is a link to a video describing how this service impacts on the people we assist. You will see that we can change people's lives. http://pos-abilities.org/donate/
- In 2015, our Education Program featuring the Try on a Disability documentary includes closed captioning thus aiding those who are hearing challenged. The third annual Day of Pos-Abilities was held in Douglas Park it again celebrated the abilities of people with disabilities.
At this time I must describe a very real need facing our organization today. Some of you may know that in 2015 we took a leap of faith and moved our growing equipment inventory to a location that has provided us with a showroom for the equipment and office space. Some of you may remember our previous storage situation and know just how much of a boost this move has been to our ongoing daily operations. But as good as it is to have this new space, it has meant a huge financial drain on our resources.
We are fortunate to have qualified for a gaming grant for the past two years. However, BC Gaming regulations do not allow for the use of funds for day to day operating expenses but gaming funds may only be used for program and capital expenditures and individuals and organizations prefer to donate their money for programs and specific pieces of equipment but not for operating expenses. However we couldn't do our work without this type of funding to back us up. It costs approximately $2000 a month to keep our doors open and this is without paid staff. Everything we do is accomplished with the help of our wonderful team of volunteers, who give unstintingly of their time and talents to help others. We must fundraise to provide money for the operating expenses
For example we have received $4000 from two Rotary Clubs in Langley. This money will fund repairs for the equipment prior to being distributed into the community however if we have no place to store the equipment we receive to repair and distribute we would have no Equipment Program.
So as 2015 draws to a close, we find ourselves in a tight financial bind, thus the other reason for this letter. I completely realize that, at this time of year, there are very many worthwhile causes to support and I understand there are only so many funds to go around. But our need is great. If it was not, you would be receiving a far different letter.
I am asking you to consider making Langley Pos-Abilities your charity of choice this Christmas. We have a Revenue Canada Tax number and can provide you with a tax receipt for any donation of $20 or more. If you would like to have more information, please feel free to call me at 604-961-0117.
Thank you in advance for your support and again at this time on behalf of the Board members and volunteers and allow me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Donations can be made on line at
www.pos-abilities.org or mailed to Unit 80 -2270 - 196 St. Langley BC V2Z 1N6
Very sincerely yours,
Zosia Ettenberg
President
List of Participants - Try On A Disability Challenge
Shelley Bessie President Envision Credit Union
Jack Froese Mayor Township of Langley
Ted Schaffer Mayor City of Langley
John Aldag MP for Langley Cloverdale
Alan Davis President Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Brenda Anderson Editor Langley Times
Leon Jensen Liberal Candidate for Langley Riding
Bev Dornan President Rotary Club Aldergrove
David Truman Langley Rotary Club
Tom Louie President Sunrise Rotary Club
