January 19, 2009

Sign of Hope exceeds expectations and raises $2.42 million

SPECIAL TO THE WCR

Edmonton – Despite the difficulties other charities are having raising money, Catholic Social Services’ Sign of Hope campaign continues to soar to new heights.

For the 25th consecutive year, the Sign of Hope has exceeded its campaign goal in funding new and existing programs for CSS.

GLOBAL RECESSION

“The news of a global recession hit us hard in the early days of the campaign,” said Maureen Cush, campaign chair. “We weren’t sure what to expect.”

Again, the campaign exceeded expectations, raising $2.42 million to support the programs CSS provides to more than 60,000 Albertans. That surpasses the campaign goal by four per cent.

“The generosity of our donors allows Catholic Social Services to move from strength to strength in fulfilling its mission of reaching out to society’s most vulnerable,” said Chris Leung, CSS’ chief executive officer.

The Sign of Hope campaign began in 1984 with a target of $400,000. It raised $418,000 and has risen to higher levels every year since then.

Some of the funds raised in the 2008 Sign of Hope campaign will go to support the McDaniel Youth Program that aids youth aged 14 to 19 who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

FASD SUPPORT

“FASD refers to the many mental, physical and emotional birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy,” said program manager Dorothy Heneveld.

“These kids are vulnerable and may require extra support transitioning into adulthood, learning basic survival skills like money management and social skills.”

Over the years, the Sign of Hope has seeded groundbreaking undertakings such as Kairos House, a residential program for people affected by HIV/AIDS; residential and outreach programs for children affected by sexual exploitation; and the Elder Abuse Resource Centre (EARS) for seniors affected by abuse.

CSS offers programs throughout central and northeast Alberta with offices in Edmonton, Bonnyville, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Wainwright and Wetaskiwin.

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