COLUMN: Carillon Flashback April 9, 1980 – New Kindale shop under construction

A new occupational centre building going up in Steinbach’s industrial park should be ready to accommodate up to 90 Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) clients before the end of summer, according to Kindale vocational services committee chair Henry Braun.

Braun says the building should be ready by July or August, and in the meantime, a number of fundraising projects are being planned to raise the $130,000 still needed to reach the organization’s goal.

Braun says the new occupational centre is being built under the auspices of the Steinbach branch of CACL and will cost approximately $338,000.

An all-evening fundraising telethon on radio stations CHSM and CFAM is scheduled for April 22, coordinated by Peter F. Kehler, who is the former owner of Pete’s Inn in Steinbach.

The village of Grunthal is holding a charity talent night April 25 at the Green Valley School in support of the Kindale building project. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.

Braun says they are optimistic that with the support of the community they will reach their fund-raising goal and will not have to borrow any money at the current high rate of interest to complete the project.

“Support of the community has been gratifying so far, but we can still stand some more help.”

The new Kindale Occupational Centre will continue to offer life skills and occupational training for intellectually challenged adults, including those who are part of a residential program, which had its beginnings in Steinbach in 1973.

Approximately 90 people jammed into the lounge and dining room area of Kindale Manor, November 2, 1973 as Manitoba Health Minister Rene Toupin cut the ribbon to officially open the residence on Elmdale Drive.

The Kindale Manor project, was the first of its kind to be approved by the provincial government. Toupin said he would like to see many more similar community homes in the near future, noting the province was providing a $50,000 grant to support the special residence.

The Steinbach Kinsmen, who had been instrumental in raising funds to establish a workshop for mentally challenged adults, again stepped forward to pledge $10,000 towards the lot and furnishings for the Kindale Manor. Other donations from various groups brought the total of community contributions to $15,000.

Kindale Manor provided a separate apartment for house parents for the 10 adults living there.

All 10 Kindale Manor residents in 1973 worked at Kindale Occupational Centre, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, and helped with housework at the group home before and after work.

There are currently 65 clients working in the old Kindale Occupational Centre and Braun says the new building in the industrial park will be able to accommodate 90 under much better conditions.