A monumental $240,000 was raised at Ruth and Naomi Mission's annual Night of Hope Gala in Chilliwack this May.
Those funds will now go toward initiatives such as expanding their women's recovery house, an expansion of their men's recovery program, exercise equipment, new outdoor furniture, and even a social enterprise coffee shop.
This was the third annual fundraising event that focuses on the work being done at the Chilliwack organization. This year, men and women who are clients at the recovery programs told their personal stories to the crowd, and received a standing ovation in return.
The event was held at Bridlewoods Event Centre in the Chilliwack River Valley, and had an old Hollywood theme. Organizers said they exceeded their goal of raising $200,000.
They will now move ahead with expanding the men's recovery program from 23 to 37 beds. They are also preparing to increase the beds at Sparrow House, which will soon house 15 women in recovery. Both recovery homes need new outdoor furniture, and the men's program needs exercise equipment, according to a press release sent out by Ruth and Naomi's recently.
Ruth and Naomi's recently received unanimous approval from city council to move forward with the bed expansion at Sparrow House.
Ruth and Naomi's is also the operator for The Grove, a 43-room shelter for older adults that is slated to open later this summer. The Grove is currently under construction on the site of the old Travelodge, just north of the Vedder overpass.
One of the next big opportunities to help fundraise for Ruth and Naomi's will be for the Ride for Ran, on Sept. 20. They are currently looking for sponsors for the event, and registration is open. For more information, visit ranmission.ca.
