The co-founder of Hope 4 Mountain View Country (MVC) Kids Society recently spoke to Olds town council about its history, the lives that the organization has impacted, and an upcoming fundraiser.
The organization is a non-profit society that was formed in 2013 and is run solely by unpaid volunteers to provide support for families and children in medical need across the Mountain View County.
Lisa Nicholson started the organization with Suzanne Young after her own children were in need of support, received it and wanted to ‘pay it forward.'
The majority of the members on the board have experience with children facing medical challenges.
Nicholson highlighted the ways that they provide assistance to families who are in need of it.
Families can apply for financial aid to help with any number of things if their child between the age of zero and 18 is hospitalized including, meals, fuel, utilities, and sibling care.
If a child is in need of therapy such as counselling not covered by health insurances or other sources, the society is able to help cover that.
It was said that the society doesn’t assess financial need. The board assesses financial contributions using a set criteria and how much they can help a family.
To qualify families must live in Mountain View County and the child must have a medically diagnosed condition. The society supports individuals afflicted by a large number of conditions such as developmental disorders, blood disorders, chronic pain and physical disabilities.
The society doesn’t simply write those that they are helping a cheque, she said, but will pay for the required resources on behalf of the families.
The society has helped numerous families including those in Olds like the Sew family. Nathan Sew is three and when he was 14 months old he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (a tumour located in his lower abdomen) and a very rare autoimmune disorder. In 20l6 his tumour returned. The society has helped with gas and groceries as well as medical costs not covered by Alberta Health Services.
Information was also presented to council about the society's upcoming Raise the Roof Charity Fundraiser in November.
The event will be held at the Willow Lane Barn on Saturday, Nov. 24 where there will be cocktails, a dinner and a dance, as well as a silent and live auction.
There will also be live music provided by the Alberta Country Music Association award-winning band Renegade Station.
