Hope Bridges recognized for community leadership

Shannon LeClair 

Times Reporter

 

On Sept. 1 members of Hope Bridges Society, delegates and interested citizens gathered in Katy’s Consignment Boutique to recognize Hope Bridges Society. 

The Society was awarded the 2011 PDD-Persons with Developmental Disabilities- Calgary Region Community Leadership Award in late June. 

“Just to be nominated for this award is just further tangible evidence…that our efforts, and the efforts of our friends and supporters and volunteers are making a difference. Standing here in this boutique today is further tangible evidence of the inclusivity our community is taking,” said Marvin Hilton, chairperson with Hope Bridges Society. 

As a winner of the award, Hope Bridges Society is automatically nominated for 2011 Provincial Leadership Awards. The ceremony for the provincial awards will be held Sept. 13 in Leduc.

Hope Bridges was one of four nominees for the Community Citizenship Award, which recognizes community members, businesses, or organizations, which show leadership in supporting adults with developmental disabilities by involving them in the community. 

“Nobody does this kind of initiative for recognition, but what an honour and privilege it is when there is recognition of the kinds of initiatives that are taken,” said MLA Arno Doerksen. 

“I think that’s a highlight, that’s something that we should champion and it’s a privilege for me to be here on that basis,” 

Doerksen said a community is a broad range of individuals and he feels Hope Bridges has focused their attention on that and recognized it, and he looks forward to the continued impact. 

“I’ve got to commend the board of directors and volunteers who helped with you folks and putting this all together, we’re proud to have you in our community,” said Mayor Steve Grajczyk.

Katy Webster, who co-owns the boutique with her mother, was so emotional to see all the support they have in the community that she was unable to speak.  

Hope Bridges Society’s next upcoming event is going to be their annual fall gala, ‘Artists Among Us’ on Oct. 12 at the Strathmore Alliance Church. The Society also tries to put on workshops throughout the year and have a number of them coming up. To find out more about Hope Bridges Society and all they do in the community, go to www.hopebridges.ca.