Chrysalis Fund donates $14,000 to local charities

The Chrysalis Fund held its AGM last Wednesday and recently announced it was donating $14,057 to three local charities.

“It’s always great to see the impact that funds can make, but it’s not just money, it’s the enriching of lives,” said chair and co-founder Debbie Krahn.

The first organization to get funding was Agape House – Eastman Crisis Services which received $10,000 to fund its closet renovation project. Agape House just purchased a new location to house its staff and storage. In the basement, it wants to build a clothing closet for women and children who are currently in the shelter, have left the shelter, or are receiving counselling. The closet will encompass the entire basement of the house.

“This space will offer free quality clothing for individuals who are facing economic challenges and family violence within a welcoming and supportive environment. By relieving these financial burdens for clothing, our clients can focus their limited resources on other critical needs. This project will promote dignity, confidentiality, and self-confidence through personalized clothing choices,” said outreach and housing coordinator Lisa Fast.

Last year, Agape House had the highest number of women in the shelter in more than 10 years. This year, that number was surpassed by 87 percent more women. The shelter is at capacity with about six women and their children in care.

“The need in our community is growing substantially,” said Fast.

Agape House is looking for pajamas, socks, slippers, and shampoo and conditioner.

To make a donation contact Agape House at agapehouse.ca/get-in-touch.

The second charity to receive funding was Southeast Cancer Support Services which received $830 for its Kids Can Cope program, which helps children aged five to 17 deal with cancer in a parent.

“At these meetings you also learn what cancer is and what it isn’t and how to talk about different feelings and get help with understanding what those feelings are. You realize this is a safe place to ask questions and have fun,” said board member Bev Dueck, an oncology nurse.

The program offers a four-session course facilitated by a nurse and a social worker for a group of about eight to 10 children who are roughly the same age. The course is capped off with a pizza party for the families.

To donate your time or money email info@secancersupport.ca or call 204-326-8571.

The last organization to receive funds was Steinbach Family Resource Centre in the amount of $3,227 to buy new chairs and a dolly.

“Our equipment is about eight years old and through COVID our chairs are just not holding up well…,” said executive director Jo-Anne Dalton.

“This would allow us to purchase 35 new chairs and a rolling dolly to use the chairs indoors and outdoors. So we can offer programming and events and bring more educational opportunities to our outdoor space.”

For 25 years, Steinbach Family Resource Centre has been offering pre- and post-natal care and resources to families in need. Last year, the organization supported 673 families.

To donate or to find resources, visit steinbachfrc.ca.

At the AGM Chrysalis reported that it has 86 members with six joining last fiscal year. To date, Chrysalis has donated $92,686 to different non-profits in the Southeast. As of July 31, the organization has reported a capital fund of $227,099.

“We’ve come a long way in 15 years, so thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Simone Penner, treasurer and co-founder.