A ROTARY UPLIFT
The Snoezelen Room is a welcome oasis for both children and adults who regularly participate in the many programs offered by Community Living at its C.D. Hopkins Centre in Beamsville. When Lincoln Rotarians learned that this well-used space was in serious need of an uplift, they jumped at the opportunity to meet with France Vaillancourt, Executive Director, Community Living Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln, and scope the project.
Over the past few months, the club has worked with Community Living staff to undertake the project valued at $4500. With a new coat of paint, new wheelchair accessible carpeting, old furnishings cleaned and repaired along with the installation of three new pieces of equipment, the Snoezelen Room is open for use again.
Snoezelen Multi-Sensory environments are relaxing spaces that help reduce agitation and anxiety but they can also engage and delight the user, stimulate reactions and encourage communication. There is no restriction in terms of age or ability. Snoezelen is for everyone living with challenging behaviour, autism and brain injury. For more details -Snoezelen
Lincoln Rotary was enabled in this project by The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Established 102 years ago as the charitable arm of Rotary International, TRF helps Rotary members change lives and improve communities all over the world. It is through TRF District Grant Program that the club secured 50% of the funding required to cover the project.
Rotarian Martha Kralt highlights, “It’s an exceptional opportunity to be able to double the value of the funds raised by the club for doing good things in our local community. With our TRF District Grant, Lincoln Rotary was able to purchase new equipment in addition to affording the basic upgrades required for this project all in support of Community Living, an essential service organization in our community.”