The Arborg Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch 161 provided a considerable donation last week to Riverdale Place Home that will benefit its clientele.
Several members of the auxiliary paid a visit to Riverdale on Jan. 29 to help celebrate the arrival of two much-needed new appliances.
Auxiliary president Marlene Taylor said two members had found out about group home’s need for new appliances and decided to make the generous donation.
“We knew we had enough money in our account from fundraising, and we were able to purchase a washing machine and a fridge for Riverdale,” said Taylor. “Riverdale was always on our radar for donating some money for whatever they needed. We do help organizations throughout our community.”
The auxiliary purchased the appliances locally, though Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances.
The auxiliary provides support to the Legion, raising funds for the branch and helping organize Remembrance Day services. The auxiliary also pays visits to people who are homebound, hosts spring teas, provides bursaries to high school students and supports community organizations such as the personal care home and the cheer board.
Taylor said the auxiliary would be happy provide future support to Riverdale should the need arise.
Riverdale Place Homes is a non-profit organization that provides staffed group homes for people living with intellectual challenges. It also operates the Riverdale Place Workshop where it employs residents in recycling jobs.
Riverdale manager Alex Janower said the organization was pleased with the support it received from the auxiliary.
“It was so nice that the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary gave us this donation, which really helps out the workshop,” he said. “It was very much appreciated. And the clients were really pleased, too.”
Susie, one of Riverdale’s supervisors who works with the clients, said the new appliances were greatly appreciated.
“We had a washing machine, but it was old-style and sometimes it was very touchy,” she said. “The new fridge is much bigger and better than our old one.”
Auxiliary members also brought dainties and spent time with the clients during their coffee break, she said.
“We were really surprised when auxiliary members brought us dainties,” she said. “It was awesome. The clients were so happy.”
