100 Women Who Care Donation
“This is How it Happened”
Barb Laluk, of the Brandon and Area Community Foundation (BACF) 100 Women Who Care” and Westman Aphasia Inc. (WAI) volunteer, Marilyn Hoffman, have been long time friends and sorority sisters. Barb and Marilyn also share that fact that they have family members who were or are affected by aphasia. Barb’s father-in-law and her son’s father-in-law live with aphasia. Marilyn’s late husband’s aphasia was the result of a stroke. Both of these women understand the long term needs ofindividuals with aphasia as well as the need of support for their families. Because of their first hand experience, they recognize that WAI is a community-based organization that fills a gap in the services that are necessary for coping with this difficult chronic communication disorder.
Marilyn shared with her sorority group, about her volunteer work with WAI, and it stuck in Barb’s mind. When Barb saw a recent Westman Journal article about WAI (January, 2017), she decided to attend the WAI, AGM and Red Carpet Event on March 23rd. Two promotional videos produced by the Shaun Cameron Media Group and eight personal stories titled “Our Stories” produced and donated by filmmaker Nate Bower, were previewed for the community on that exciting evening. The funding for the two promotional videos, as well as a series of educational videos, was provided by the BACF. After seeing these videos, Barb spoke with Marilyn about the possibility of presenting WAI as one of the agencies to receive funding from the 100 Women Who Care.
Needless to say WAI was thrilled with the possibility of being put forward for the donation and on the evening of April 25th, Barb was one of three women who presented to the group about her chosen local organization.
WAI was the fortunate recipient of a $2900.00 grant from this organization. These funds will allow WAI to purchase necessary program items, support new program initiatives and to expand existing programs.
The members of WAI are very grateful and appreciative not only for being the recipient of the donation from BACF’s 100 Women Who Care, but for the connection between these two women who are graciously giving back to their community.