History of Snowflake House Respite Foundation
In February of 2012, Richard Belland approached his sister-in-law Lily Belland with an idea. What he didn't realize was that Lily had already been inspired with the same idea: it was time that Lloydminster had a respite centre. Lily and her husband, Gerald, had struggled to find respite services for their son, Patrick, who was diagnosed with autism in 2001. They both knew from experience that when respite was available, it had a significant positive impact on their lives, and when respite was unavailable, life could be very stressful for their whole family.
With the help of a small group of enthusiastic people, they embarked on the journey of creating Snowflake House Respite Foundation. This divine vision is of a house where children with special needs could spend a few hours to a few days in a fun, safe, compassionate environment while their family gets a chance to run errands, reconnect with their other children, and in general get a breather from the challenges that raising a child with special needs can present.
Snowflake House Respite Foundation got its name based on the idea that each child, with special needs or not, is a Snowflake and no two are truly identical. Just like Snowflakes, each child we serve is both different and beautiful. The same can be said for the volunteers and staff that help Snowflake House achieve it's goals, as well as each member of the families we serve.
In September 2012, Snowflake House Respite Foundation was officially incorporated as an Alberta Non-profit Organization. Non-profit #: 5017012781
In October 2012, Snowflake House ran its first fundraiser: Blue Moon Festival. This family-oriented activity day brought in $4500.
In September 2013, Snowflake House started providing hourly respite in-home and in the community. and launched Sibshops, a support program for the siblings of children with special needs.
In November 2013, Snowflake House hosted its Blue Moon Gala. This event included dinner, silent auction, and Comedian Bob Beddow, and raised nearly $8000.
In January 2014, Snowflake House officially opened a Building Fund account to save for a permanent location.
In March 2014, Snowflake House set up a Toy Lending Library to help accommodate the recreational needs of it's clients.
In November 2014, Snowflake House hosted its second Blue Moon Gala. This event, including entertainment by Kenny Mac, raised over $12,000
With the help of a small group of enthusiastic people, they embarked on the journey of creating Snowflake House Respite Foundation. This divine vision is of a house where children with special needs could spend a few hours to a few days in a fun, safe, compassionate environment while their family gets a chance to run errands, reconnect with their other children, and in general get a breather from the challenges that raising a child with special needs can present.
Snowflake House Respite Foundation got its name based on the idea that each child, with special needs or not, is a Snowflake and no two are truly identical. Just like Snowflakes, each child we serve is both different and beautiful. The same can be said for the volunteers and staff that help Snowflake House achieve it's goals, as well as each member of the families we serve.
In September 2012, Snowflake House Respite Foundation was officially incorporated as an Alberta Non-profit Organization. Non-profit #: 5017012781
In October 2012, Snowflake House ran its first fundraiser: Blue Moon Festival. This family-oriented activity day brought in $4500.
In September 2013, Snowflake House started providing hourly respite in-home and in the community. and launched Sibshops, a support program for the siblings of children with special needs.
In November 2013, Snowflake House hosted its Blue Moon Gala. This event included dinner, silent auction, and Comedian Bob Beddow, and raised nearly $8000.
In January 2014, Snowflake House officially opened a Building Fund account to save for a permanent location.
In March 2014, Snowflake House set up a Toy Lending Library to help accommodate the recreational needs of it's clients.
In November 2014, Snowflake House hosted its second Blue Moon Gala. This event, including entertainment by Kenny Mac, raised over $12,000