WESTLOCK – Outreach Pembina Hills has received $8,900 from the Westlock 100 Women Who Care group, who handed out the money June 21.
Colleen Teske, teacher with Outreach Pembina Hills, said they currently have approximately 60 students with various barriers academically and socially. Outreach has one full-time, one part-time employee, and herself just one day per week. She noted that they operate on a $15,000 budget which doesn’t leave much for anything extra for things like trips for students to places like the Royal Alberta Museum or West Edmonton Mall, for example.
Two other groups were also seeking funds during this round. The Tawatinaw Valley Ski Club is installing a magic carpet lift this summer to replace the tow rope lift that’s been there since 1968. Wendy Batog noted the cost for the magic carpet has gone up since they first got the idea going. Ultimately, the magic carpet will provide easier and safer access to the hill for youngsters and the handicapped.
Karen Bauman spoke on behalf of the Westlock Golden Age Seniors Drop-In, citing the need for a new printer, laptop and computer. They recently replaced the tin roof, and in the process, found other concerns that had to be addressed. She said there’s various activities held at the centre and membership fees are kept at just $20 per year, as some have limited funds.
While waiting for the votes to be tallied to determine who would receive the funds, Denise Boulerice read updates from last two recipients of 100 Women funds. The Friends of Westlock Elementary have now installed a 20-by-30-foot outdoor space, while the Westlock & District Community Hall will soon have two new ovens installed after having some space issues resolved.
Deneen Ducharme, who brought the 100 Women Who Care program to Westlock in November 2016, noted that after the meeting, the seniors request for $2,500 was provided by one of the women in attendance at the meeting.
June 21 was the 27th meeting of the 100 Women Who Care group since 2016, and the total funding given out to the 27 groups is now nearing $250,000.
