An outpouring of generosity pushed the Western Wheel Cares to new heights in 2016 despite of tough economic times. The Western Wheel Cares charity campaign raised $56,424.
An outpouring of generosity pushed the Western Wheel Cares to new heights in 2016 despite of tough economic times.
The Western Wheel Cares charity campaign raised $56,424.90 for 2016, which will be evenly split between seven participating charities in the Okotoks and Foothills area. Donations in November and December exceeded the level set in 2015 by a whopping $13,904.15.
Each participating charity will receive $8,060.70.
Western Wheel publisher Matt Rockley said it's an amazing result and will benefit the seven charities involved in Western Wheel Cares this year.
“It's wonderful how the community recognized the greater need this year,” he said.
This year's recipients are the Okotoks Food Bank, the Foothills Country Hospice, the Rowan House Society, the Magic of Christmas, the Sheep River Health Trust, Habitat for Humanity Foothills Chapter and the St. Vincent de Paul society.
Rockley said the Western Wheel Cares campaign will increase its support to the organizations this year, even with the addition of a seventh charity.
He admitted he wasn't sure what to expect given the state of the economy.
“Certainly the need for funding of these charities was greater this year, but I also knew that a lot of people in the community have less disposable income so I wasn't sure,” said Rockley.
He hopes to see the Western Wheel Cares campaign continue to grow when it returns for another year later this fall.
The Western Wheel covers all administrative costs for the campaign, meaning 100 per cent of donations end up supporting needy causes.
In five years the Western Wheel Cares has raised $193,853.57 for local charities.
“I think the Western Wheel Cares charity fundraiser, over the years, it's gained recognition and trust in the community with the fact that 100 per cent of donations are directed to the community,” said Rockley.
Some recipient organizations are saying it's more than they expected and will allow them direct funds to other areas they didn't initially consider.
Dawn Elliott, hospice executive director, called the increase incredible news.
She said the hospice planned to use its share of the funding to go towards its grief support services. Elliott said the hospice may be able to also put some of the additional funds towards other items, such as an ice machine for patients, new dressers and end tables for patient rooms and painting at the hospice.
“We will take care of some of the items that are on our wish list,” she said.
The food bank planned to purchase fresh food like vegetables, dairy, fresh meats and perishable food items it can't keep on its shelves for long.
“We're trying to increase the amount of fresh food and frozen foods that our families get,” said Sheila Hughes, Okotoks Food Bank executive director.
She said she the food bank's board will need to make a final decision, but the additional donations could go towards electrical upgrades to the food bank facility or securing additional storage space for food donations off-site.
When donations from food drives come in and during busy Christmas donation season, Hughes said they often need additional storage space elsewhere until room on their shelves frees up.
“We're not talking about a new building, but we are talking about some off-site space nearby where we can properly store food,” she said.
