A local organization working to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities received national honours last week.
The Lo-Se-Ca Foundation accepted one of the first-ever Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards during a ceremony on Parliament Hill Dec. 14.
“It was truly surreal,” said executive director Marie Renaud. “I wished that all of my colleagues and our volunteers and staff could have all been there because this is not a one-person effort.”
A total of 17 awards were handed out. A community leader, business leader and social innovator were recognized in each of the five Canadian regions, while two recipients were awarded on the national level.
The Lo-Se-Ca Foundation took home the prairie provinces’ social innovator award for its approach to overcoming social challenges in the community.
“The Lo-Se-Ca Foundation shows how a not-for-profit organization can help foster a thriving community,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said at the ceremony.
The foundation began in 1992 with a single community residence supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and has since expanded to include 23 homes in the Capital region.
The organization works to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to the community, while promoting involvement and independence.
Renaud was notified more than a year ago that the foundation was chosen as a recipient after being nominated by Edmonton-St. Albert Member of Parliament Brent Rathgeber.
Although a significant amount of time has passed, she said the news still hasn’t sunk in.
“It’s amazing. It’s humbling,” Renaud said. “It’s just really exciting to be recognized for some of the things that we do.”
In addition to receiving a medal, lapel pin and certificate, not-for-profit award recipients at the regional level each received a $5,000 cash prize.
Renaud said she is not sure exactly where the money will go, but said there are many programs in the works that could use a financial boost.
Most, if not all, of the funds will go towards programming, which could include subsidizing rent or facilitating unique programs like yoga or musical therapy.
“We’re also trying to start employee-sponsored child care and we want to keep a percentage of spots for our staff that will be quite affordable,” she said.
Harper announced the creation of the awards in January 2011 in an effort to recognize organizations, businesses and individuals making positive change in their communities. The ceremony is expected to be an annual event.
