OLDS — A gala celebrating the 10th of the Hope 4 MVC Kids Society is just around the corner.
The group helps families in Mountain View County and the urban municipalities within its geographical boundaries cope with medical and related expenses for children needing medical care.
Examples include parking, meals, fuel, utilities, groceries, accommodation, and sibling care.
Support is also provided to obtain adaptive equipment for home or school as well as help with counselling, medical health care, alternative therapies and education.
Founder Lisa Nicholson created the Hope 4 MVC Kids Society with the help of a friend in November 2013 when her family couldn't obtain the financial assistance they needed to help her daughters.
Another impetus was that they discovered there were many more families struggling with those problems as well.
The gala, to be held Nov. 25 at the Willow Lane Barn east of Olds, begins at 5 p.m. The theme for the night is A Decade Of Hope.
It will feature a meal, a silent and live auction along with music by Martin Kerr and his band as well as Pulse Entertainment.
Nicolson and family applications director Katie Dunn told the Albertan that another key aspect of the evening will be stories from families and communities that have been positively impacted by the work of Hope 4 MVC Kids over the years.
“We’re still going to have fun at the event," Nicholson said with a laugh. “But there may be a moment where you might need to bring a Kleenex.”
Dunn said a big announcement will also be made regarding a “much needed program.”
“I think it will go over very well,” she said.
Nicholson and Dunn stressed that Hope 4 MVC Kids is entirely volunteer run, so fundraising is essential, and the gala is a big part of that.
Nicholson noted the gala was cancelled twice, due to COVID restrictions.
She said the organization continued to run its programs during those COVID years, they just weren’t able to hold the gala.
That put a strain on finances.
“The only time we had to pause was I think about four to five weeks where we were running out of money,” Nicholson said.
“We were spending more money on applications, and we couldn’t raise fast enough for what needed to go out.
"We put a plea out to the community which graciously came forward and we were able to continue operations. So, we have not paused.”
Nicholson and Dunn were asked why they continue to be involved with Hope 4 MVC Kids, given all the stress of fundraising, etc.
"Because the family stories just touch my heart and it’s nice to see the impact we have on that in such a trying time,” Dunn said.
“The entire board are community-minded, focused individuals who want to leave the community a little bit than when they found it,” Nicholson added.
She noted several of the organization’s 12 board members have either been directly involved in raising a child with medical needs or have a connection to someone in that situation.
“We keep going,” Nicholson said. “We know there’s a need. We’ve proven that there’s a need in the community for the families who receive the applications.
“We’re a help organization that fills in the missing gaps for families.”
Nicholson stressed that Hope 4 MVC Kids is “hugely driven by community.”
“We are so grateful for the previous support, but we also need the continued support,” she said.
Nicholson said the organization only holds galas every two or three years in order not to take away from other much-needed organizations in the county that also need to fund-raise.
She said that’s part of the reason their gala is always held in late November.
Another reason is that’s the time that the Willow Lane Barn can be made available to them.
Nicholson said when Hope 4 MVC Kids began, its founders were not really aware of all that’s involved in creating and sustaining a non-profit charity. But they’re pleased with the help they’ve been able to provide for families.
“We never want the families to feel alone,” Nicholson said. “We just want to be there for them.”
Nicholson and Dunn said the gala is a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to hold Christmas parties with proceeds going to a good cause.
“I mean, I could be biased, but I don’t think there’s anything better than live music, great meal, beautiful venue and stories of hope in your community,” Nicholson said.
She noted that Hope 4 MVC Kids is a CRA registered charity, so they can issue tax receipts up to the value of any donations given.
Those who want more information can reach out to the organization via [email protected].
Tickets are available on their website at https://hope4mvckids.org/a-decade-of-hope.
