Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE celebrates its 100th anniversary by donating $10,000 to Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation. /FRANK WILSON
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE, $10,000 was presented to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation on Mar. 12, 2016.
This large donation from caring and generous members is going to give some kids very big smiles. The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation specializes in helping children with special needs. Funds from the donation will go towards special bicycles, known as “adaptive bicycles”. These bikes can cost up to $5,000 each.
Adaptive bicycles. /KAREN BOTTING
2015 Youth Ambassador for the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, Keera, attended the reception together with her mother Allison Lyall.
Keera (r) with her mother Allison Lyall. /ALICYN GOODMAN
“Because of support like yours, I was able to receive a bike that lets me drive with full confidence that I won’t fall and hurt myself,” Keera said in her acceptance speech.
“And let me tell you,” Keera continued, “I love riding my bike! It makes me feel like I’m flying over the bumps and I love to hear the gravel under the tires.”
She also added, ”It just means a lot to know that this organization exists and that everybody came together, did a lot and helped. It’s overwhelming and amazing.”
Keera’s heartfelt words were a perfect complement to an inspiring event.
“Today’s meeting/reception was great and a lot of fun,” said Barbara Sigurdson, member of the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE, “So glad we can have fun while doing good.”
The 100th anniversary celebration, and philanthropy that came from it, shows that it can be just as enjoyable to help other people as being on the receiving end.
Fjola raffled off for $4,000. /LINDA SIGURDSON COLLETTE
Fjola doll was made by Lil Mann (on left) and her sister Helga Sigurdson, raffled off as a fundraiser for 100th anniversary project. /ALICYN GOODMAN
If you have some extra hours to spare for volunteer work, it’s a great way to get to know other people in your community and is a win-win situation for everybody.
To hear Keera and Allison Lyall speak about the impact the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation has had on their lives, watch this 6-minute clip on YouTube:
To learn more about the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, go to: http://www.crf.mb.ca/index.cfm
To learn more about the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE, click on: https://www.facebook.com/Jon-Sigurdsson-Chapter-IODE-426290034117808/
And to find volunteer opportunities in our province check out: http://www.volunteermanitoba.ca
Presentation of $10,000 to Chidren’s Rehabilitation Foundation. LtoR: Allison Lyall, Sylvia Anderson Koshyk (Chapter member, liaison between the two organizations), Keera, Helle Wilson (Jon Sigurdson Chapter IODE President) and Anna Birgis Hannesson (Honorary Patron). /ALICYN GOODMAN
