Fraserside fundraising for new van for New Leaf Clubhouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 25, 2021 (New Westminster, BC) —
Fraserside Community Services Society is launching a fundraising campaign from with the goal of raising $70,000 to replace the passenger van for New Leaf Clubhouse.
Fraserside’s New Leaf Clubhouse in New Westminster supports 132 adults who live with a serious mental illness in the community. New Leaf Clubhouse has remained open since the onset of the pandemic as an essential service. New Leaf provides rehabilitation programs in personal wellness, employment, life skills, counselling, recreation as well as operating a food bank for members.
For those suffering from mental illness, the pandemic has been an especially difficult time. The decrease in social connection has had a negative impact on mental health and has increased the need for extra supports.
Most New Leaf members cannot afford social activities above and beyond the cost of rent and food, making the community outings and activities at the Clubhouse, a key source of meaningful social interaction.
Members rely on a 17-year-old passenger van for community outings and to transport the New Leaf floor hockey and baseball teams to games. The aging 15- seat van is on its last legs, and needs to be replaced.
Without a reliable vehicle to rely on, members will be missing out on meaningful participation in the community, an important part of their recovery.
“This van provides a valuable connection for those living with mental illness to the greater community. This is especially important right now, with so many suffering from social isolation,” says Fraserside’s CEO, Lynda Edmonds.
Fraserside aims to raise enough funds to replace the passenger van by the early New Year. Thanks to Piva Modern Italian Restaurant, they are now closer to that goal, with donations being matched up to $10,000.
“We are appealing to the giving spirit of New West residents, to help people living with mental illness experience community belonging. We hope the generosity of Piva Modern Italian Restaurant will inspire others to also support this project” Edmonds says.
Donations will be gratefully accepted toward the van online: www.fraserside.bc.ca
By Mail: #330-550 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC V3L 3B7
Or by phone: 604-522-3722 ext. 111
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About Fraserside Community Services Society
Fraserside Community Services Society is a local non-profit that provides housing, employment and social supports for people facing homelessness, living in poverty, suffering from chronic mental illness, substance use issues and people living with disabilities. On average, we support 1,000 people in New Westminster, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Delta each year.
For more information about Fraserside Community Services Society, visit www.fraserside.bc.ca.
