Repairing the foundation of the LSAS century-old building which supports its programming is the aim of the Foundation 500 Initiative.
However, Heather Sinfield, community initiatives director says in the first quarter of this year they have been very busy.
“From January to March we had 90 new intakes – that is one-a-day. In my 14-years of being here, I have never seen us have one-a-day in that way. We are averaging four-to-five Little Bear investigative forensic interviews a week. So, we are very, very busy.”
The Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services was able to raise $35,000 at the February anniversary gala, but still needs to reach $450,000 for the repair work.
Synergy Credit Union has contributed $50,000 to bring the tally up to $85,000.
With their new strategy they are looking for 500 individuals, families or businesses to donate $500.
“So, if you check out our website, there are ways you can do it online. You can make a one-time payment of $500. You can make two-monthly payments of $250 or five-monthly payments of $100. Some folks are doing this from their business. Some folks are getting five friends and donating $100 each. There are lots of ways that you can support,” says Sinfield.
Also, LSAS is applying for a community facility enhancement grant from the Alberta government.
“This is due June 15, and it is a matching grant. If we can come up to that $200,000 mark with our funds raised, then we can apply for the additional $200,000 and it gets us started,” says Sinfield.
The impact of the foundation problem means that occasionally they must close the building and counselling sessions get pushed back as a result.
Sinfield adds that in 2022 LSAS provided services to over 800 people in Lloydminster and area. They are hoping to raise as much money as possible prior to the June 15 grant application deadline and planning to start work on the foundation repairs in July.
More information may be found on the LSAS website.