West Central Abilities in Kindersley is one busy place. The non-profit organization is always looking for their next task to try and raise funds and ultimately improve programming for their current and future clients. One recent donation they received was accepted as part of the Kindersley and District Co-op's edition of "Fuel Good Day":

The group home received a donation of just over $2500 from the local Co-op, and Executive Director Kim Edmunds talked about how those funds will go towards a replacement vehicle.

"We will be using these funds to go towards a replacement vehicle so we may continue to provide safe and reliable transportation services for individuals experiencing disability. Our goal is to replace our 2006 wheelchair bus which is worn out and purchase a new accessible vehicle that is equipped with a wheelchair lift system for transporting individuals with limited mobility and others to and from medical appointments, programs and services within the community, etc," stated Edmunds through the Co-op release, "As there is no capital funding available from the provincial government, WCA is left entirely responsible in purchasing and maintaining vehicles. The total purchase price including taxes is expected to be over $140,000.00."

They certainly appreciate the chunk of money that will help with their van replacement, and were clearly in the giving mood themselves back on World Kindness Day:

We had to catch up with Edmunds and the team at West Central Abilities ourselves after hearing about their recent act of kindness. 

"What we did earlier, in recognition of World Kindness Day, the clients and staff worked together on baking treats for individuals and businesses in the community. They went around and delivered all their goods to everybody, to 'enjoy a treat on us.'"

Edmunds described how the Program Administrator Regan Overand helped the clients build a list of who they wanted to send packages out to, and they deliver each and every one that they could think of. Some say home baked treats and gestures like this go a long ways to maintaining strong community relationships. There is never a bad time to say thank you. 

PHOTOS: Progress going well on new West Central Abilities building

We also checked in with Edmunds to learn more about the status of their new building currently being constructed in Kindersley. The link above showcases the building back in May when the exterior was looking great, and also features more background information on the project over the years. Edmunds had this to say about where the current state of construction sits now. 

"I wanted to mention that we are 70% done the building," said Edmunds as they look forward to even more opportunity, "We are hopeful that the future fundraising and donations will keep us on our target of $2.27 million for this project. We are hoping to raise between $80,000 to $100,000 for items not in the contract."

There is still clearly some more fundraising left to do, but a big chunk of it should come from selling their current space out in Kindersley's industrial area.

"We are in a prime location out in the West Industrial Park, so once that is sold that will help offset some our costs as well (for items not in the contract)."

Edmunds shared that they are hoping for a grand-opening sometime in the spring of 2023, and are thinking that most of the finishing touches will be completed on the new home around February ahead of the celebratory opening. The excitement is there to see what the new facility consists of as the project has now been a long time coming.