A LOCAL developmentally disabled woman who received grant money to fix up her living area so she could stay at home more comfortably had the chance to thank the government minister responsible in person.
Deanna Freeman handed a thank-you card personally to Don McRae, minister of social development and social innovation, after he took a look at her new digs and talked to her parents at their north Terrace residence Oct. 16.
Thanks to the Giving in Action Society grant money, in 2011, Deanna’s basement living area was retrofitted with a safety rail in her bathroom, the area brought up to safety standards and the completion of her unfinished living space.
A railing was also put around the veranda where she spends a lot of time.
McRae visited with Deanna to see the improvements and heard from her parents, Louise and Robin, about how the grant helped them create a less stressful, safer place for Deanna.
McRae also came to town to kick off this year’s Widening Our World (WOW) program nominations at Safeway, which has won the award twice.
The WOW awards recognize community leaders who promote inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities and are put on by Community Living BC. B.C. residents can nominate individuals or organizations, employers, service providers, self-advocates or family members who make a positive difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.
Nomination forms are available online at the Community Living BC website, at Community Living BC offices and the nomination deadline is Nov. 30. Award winners will be announced early next year.