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The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie has been a strong supporter of THRIVE Child Development Centre since it was founded in 1952 with the help of Rotarians. Like many non-profits, Rotary’s fundraisers have been drastically affected by COVID-19, including its major fundraisers for THRIVE.
Working within Algoma Public Health guidelines, the club was able to hold A Day Of Golf For THRIVE on August 27, which was attended by 84 golfers and raised $5,000 to help THRIVE children and youth with diverse abilities achieve their highest potential. “With everything that is going on, it was a great turnout and we appreciate everyone’s continued support,” reflected Paul Kowalyk, Chair of the Rotary Golf Committee, “We look forward to next year and hope we can make it bigger and better.”
Crimson Ridge and Atlas Autoparts – Batteries Expert were both major supporters; each generously contributing $1,000.
“I was so amazed that so many people came out to support THRIVE,” shared Lisa Henderson, CEO of THRIVE, “Our children and families benefit so much from the amazing generosity and kindness from the Rotary.”
“THRIVE has been a part of our family for six years, and continue to support ‘Team Benjamin’ within a very holistic lens,” shared one family, “We depend on THRIVE’s dedication within a disability justice framework, to continue to be our allies in the ongoing solution building necessary to support our family and the individualized and unique needs of every THRIVE family.”
The Rotary Club has also dedicated its monthly Rotary At Work 50/50 draws (www.rotaryssm5050.ca) from August to December in support of THRIVE.
One of twenty-one children’s treatment centres across Ontario, THRIVE supports children and youth from 0-19 years of age who are impacted by differences in physical, perceptual, communication, and developmental trajectories.
For 100 years, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie’s has invested in the Sault’s youth through projects such as Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Science Fair Algoma, the Rotary Adventure Playground, and partnerships with Easter Seals Ontario and THRIVE. It is only because of dedicated Rotarians, tireless volunteers, and our extremely generous community that Rotary has had the privilege to give back millions of dollars and touch countless lives.