Families whose children live with complex care needs will continue to receive the respite care they need, thanks to the generosity of those who attended the Matthew’s House Giving Gala on Sept. 12 at Mt. Lehman Winery.
The event brought in more than $140,000, including cash donations, sponsorships and auction proceeds.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those who attended this event,” said Karyn Santiago, chief executive officer of Communitas Supportive Care Society, which operates Matthew’s House.
“It showed us again how deeply committed this community is invested in Matthew’s House and how much they want to support families and children. We are truly grateful.”
Matthew’s House, open since November 2013, is a respite facility located on the Dave Lede Campus of Care on Marshall Road next to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
The fundraising dinner included acrobatic feats performed by the Underground Circus and live music by the Mennonite Jazz Committee.
The MC was Fiona Forbes, “ring master” was John Dawson and auctioneer was Kevin Gibson.
Ian and Brenda Newton, whose daughter Kylie stays at Matthew’s House, paid tribute to Doug and Andrea Froese, parents to Matthew, after whom the home is named.
Although Matthew passed away in 2010, the Froeses continued with their vision of a home for other parents.
It costs about $1 million annually to operate Matthew’s House, with most of that coming from donors and fundraising events.
To learn more about Matthew’s House, visit mattshouse.ca