Committee given update on support program

The Mountain View County policies and priorities committee has been given an update on the activities and plans for the Hope 4 MVC Kids Society.

The review came during the committee’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.

Now in its fifth year of operation, the society supports families with children in medical need.

The society’s mission statement reads: “Our mission is based on a foundation of compassion. We strive to ‘pay it forward’ by providing support to those families with children in medical need across Mountain View County.”

Founder Lisa Nicholson explained that the volunteer organization covers all families with children in Mountain View County up to age 18 when the child has a medical diagnosis from a certified medical practitioner.

“This could be in the form of a doctor, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, school outreach worker, consented by parent to disclose,” she said.

“For equipment a certified current letter or prescription is required along with quotes by two sources.”

The society assists families in many ways, including providing financial support for parking, meals, fuel, utilities, groceries, accommodation and sibling care when a child is hospitalized, she said.

“If the child requires therapy such as counselling, mental health needs, alternative therapy not covered by health insurance or other sources, we can financially help with those costs,” she said.

“Help and support (can also be provided) during the family crisis. We have personal knowledge of where to go for help and have some great local and city-based resources should they choose to ask.”

Nicholson also outlined the group’s plans to host a fifth-year "Raise the Roof" fundraising event at Willow Lane Barn on Nov. 24.

The society has asked Mountain View County to provide $500 in support of the Nov. 24 event.

Coun. Peggy Johnson commended society members for their assistance to the families of sick children.

“I’d like to thank you for all your work,” said Johnson.

Coun. Al Kemmere put forward a motion recommending that council consider the $500 funding request. The motion passed unanimously.

Reeve Beattie and Coun. Duncan Milne did not attend the recent policies and priorities committee meeting.