The Wooddale Ladies was formed in 1941 and ever since that time they have been helping out in the community however and whenever they can.
Helping others is a high priority for the group and this year they decided to reach out to 10 organizations in Rimbey and donate $100 to each of them.
Teri Ormberg, a member of the Wooddale Ladies said the group had earned money through donations, helping with lunches for funerals, the annual community bazaar and monthly raffles.
With the idea to ‘pay it forward’ the ladies invited representatives from the organizations to come to the Beatty House last Thursday to receive their $100 donation and enjoy refreshments.
As each recipient received their money, they talked briefly about their organization and how the money would be beneficial to them.
Annette Peck from Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club said the money is very much appreciated.
“We are in the beginning stages of the Boys and Girls Club, but it is expanding and doing well. Big Brothers have close to 30 mentorships and going well.”
Harold Kenney from the Historical Society and the Handi-Van Society expressed appreciation, as well.
“It’s donations like this that really makes Pas Ka Poo Park function,” he said, adding the park needed to spend $2,200 for snow removal this year.
“This is truly amazing,” said Janet Stout from Kids in Sports. “We rely solely on donations from the community.”
Katherine Winters from the Rimbey Food Bank said the food bank is in good shape.
“Rimbey has been fabulous for donations,” she said, “but it has been a hard winter for a lot of people and the need has doubled.”
Colleen Connelley from the Rimbey General Hospital said all donations go towards enhancing the comfort and care of residents, noting electric beds and a new bus for the longterm care patients (soon to arrive) are dependent largely on donations.
Sgt. Mark Groves, representing the DARE program, said Rimbey is a generous, caring community.
“The community support is phenomenal.”