One local company is working to raise money for a local non-profit organization.
FYI Doctors participates in an enhancing life program once a year and this year they have decided to donate the proceeds to Brighter Futures, a program that offers support for parents with young children.
Wendy Morin, the practice coach for FYIDoctors, says right now they are accepting donations at their office. Anyone who donates $5 or more is entered in to win a draw. Those that donate more than $3 will receive a cleaning solution for eye glasses as well as a cloth.
On Halloween night FYI will be hosting a hotdog and drink event at the parking lot of Rotary House from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Donations of $5 or will be accepted for a hotdog and a drink. All proceeds will go to Brighter Futures from there as well.
Morin said they picked Brighter Futures because it’s a group that runs off of funding from governments and agencies as well as donations. “It’s an organization that helps people who maybe need a little extra help,” says Morin.
Morin says there are many local companies that have come together to help put on the hotdog and drink fundraiser. She says everything down to the buns has been donated for the event.
Next year, Morin says their plan is to help the local food bank.
Shawna McLay, the manager of program planning and development at Brighter Futures, says donations like these can help them offer more programs for the community.
Typically, their operating money comes from agencies like the Public Health Agency of Canada, Community Action Plan for Children, and the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program. With these funds they offer supports for families in Breton, Alder Flats, Drayton Valley, and in Easyford.
These supports include children’s programming, where they have children aged 0 to 6 attend with their parents. During this time they participate in educational activities, social activities, and sometimes they will have Angela Doerksen from Nutritious Beginnings in to speak to them.
“We’re hoping to start a Wiggles and Giggles group soon,” says MacLay, which will cater to children aged 0 to 1.
MacLay says Brighter Futures also partners with schools and preschools to offer a program called Second Steps. “It’s a social emotional learning program that runs for six weeks,” she says.
During the pandemic, when they’ve been unable to meet in person they have offered out crafts kits for families. In the past, they have also offered items like gift cards to families in need. On occasion, when diapers or other baby items are dropped off at the food bank, they are able to offer other items to families.
