Community Living North Halton needs a little help in going the distance for its mobility-challenged clients.
Literally.
With its current Dodge caravan dinged up and on its last legs, the organization is hoping to purchase two wheelchair accessible vehicles.
That’s where area residents come in.
For a third year, CLNH is holding a webathon in partnership with Community Foundation of Halton North, which will match donations up to $10,000.
This year’s event is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. until noon, when contributions can be made at either the Milton Farmers’ Market, at the CFHN office (18 Martin St.) or online.
“What we’re looking for is a wheelchair van that has lifts that can enable easy onboarding and offboarding and would essentially allow the clients to get onto the van without fully dismounting from their wheelchair,” said Sheldon Samlall, CLNH’s integrated marketing specialist. “Some of those wheelchairs are very, very heavy.”
The van currently serves a minimum of 10 clients on a regular basis, with trips to doctors’ appointments and a variety of recreation and respite destinations.
Overall, CLNH has more than 400 clients of all ages and developmental challenges. Their service includes a wide spectrum of services, everything from after school care and drop-in activities to group homes and independent adult programs.
“A group home isn’t something that’s tucked away in a corner. It’s just a house on a street. It could be my street, it could be our street. And our clients live there. You see the around the neighbourhood,” said Samlall. “We’re all integrated; we’re all there.
“Like many nonprofits, we bank on the community coming together and recognizing the need for helping their community members.”
Visit clnh.on.ca for more on CLNH's programs and services.