COLD LAKE - The Dove Centre received an early holiday gift this year when Tim Hortons owners Tammy and Lenny Bilodeau presented a cheque for $5,479 to the organization. The funds were raised during the Smile Cookie campaign.
The funds were the result of a week-long initiative, with proceeds from every cookie sold at three Cold Lake Tim Hortons locations going to support the Dove Centre’s community programs.
“We got an email one day and said that they were choosing us as their charity of choice, which was a very nice surprise,” shared CEO of the Dove Centre Robert Goulet.
The funds raised through the campaign will be directed toward initiatives that help adults with developmental disabilities. One of the Dove Centre’s goals is to use the donation to enhance facilities.
“One of the things that we were looking at doing is, in our office right now, we don't have an oven, so we were looking at installing an oven . . . so that our individuals will be able to practice and learn their cooking skills,” said Shannon Macklin, service coordinator for the Dove Centre.
The organization plans to pay it forward by donating to the John Howard Society and the Stepping Stones Society, combining skill-building with community giving.
Supporting the community
The Dove Centre has a long history of making a difference in Cold Lake and Bonnyville, having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
“We provide support to adults with developmental disabilities in employment, social aspects, supportive independent living, and residential services,” said Goulet. “So, we are trying to bring their best life forward and helping them find themselves and be a valuable part of the community. That's our major role.”
Goulet emphasized the importance of community connections and the Dove Centre’s efforts to ensure inclusivity.
“We support people to look for jobs and we support them on the job so that they can be part of the workforce in their community,” he explained.
The Dove Centre’s programs include residential support, employment assistance, and social activities, which focus on life skills and independent living.
“Our residential program is newer. It's about five years old,” Goulet noted. “But all the other things we have done consistently since we opened.”
Community role that matters
Macklin highlighted the Dove Centre’s impact in fostering integration and independence for the individuals they serve.
“We are supporting individuals who may not know how to integrate into the community,” she explained. “We're trying to navigate and facilitate connections between the community so that maybe one day they will be a part of the community.”
