Lions give shelter extra security

Times Reporter  

 

The Strathmore Lions donated $25,000 to the Community Crisis Society Shelter to help them upgrade their security system. The funds came from various fundraising events the Lions host, and from the food booth they set up during Canada Day and the Strathmore Stampede.  

The Crisis Society submitted an informal application and made a presentation to the Lions about their need. The members then put it to a vote to decide who, out the sometimes four to five applicants a month, will be granted the donation. 

“The Lions have helped us over the years,” said Executive Director for the Society Karen Pease.

“Our funding from the government doesn’t cover all the expenses.”

The replacement is almost done and staff are excited to have the new state of the art system fully operational. The advanced security system is a necessity for the shelter as they can often deal with high-risk cases and client and staff safety is the number on priority 

The community has always been supportive of the shelters cause, and it is through donations and that support that they have been able to offer the help to those in need. The annual dinner and auction held every November also helps the society provide some of the necessities not covered by the government. 

Pease said the community, which extends through all of Wheatland County and Drumheller, open up their hearts for the shelters cause, something they are extremely grateful for. 

“We’re very grateful for that. It means so much to our residents and they’re touched by the support of the community as well,” said Pease. 

Each year over 400 women and children walk through the shelters doors looking for help.