Emma Lea Farms on Westham Island hosted a special Canada Day event where all proceeds from their ice cream stand went to help children with special needs.
Through the sale of their famous ice cream cones and milkshakes, Emma Lea Farms raised $2,305 for the Reach Child and Youth Development Society's campaign to build a child development centre in the heart of Ladner.
"We really learned what Reach was all about at the fundraiser with Chris Gailus last year, and how much they help children and families," said Joanne Husband of Emma Lea Farms. "We have three grandchildren and one on the way, and know that it's all about the kids. Canada Day was a perfect day because it is for everyone."
Husband added that her employees also wanted to give back to the community and chipped in some of their own cash to the fundraiser.
Reach is a non-profit children's charity that has been providing programs and resources to children with disabilities like autism and Down syndrome since 1959. Its current facility is difficult for families to access and is not designed to meet the growing needs of the community.
"Emma Lee Farms' donation will be put to good use helping to build a new child development centre in Ladner," said Reach executive director Renie D'Aquila. "This centre will allow more children and youth to receive help and become contributing community members." Close to the halfway mark of its $4 million goal, Reach is looking to the community to bring it closer. For more about Reach services and the building project visit www.reachdevelopment.org.
