An opportunity to celebrate and share the stories of those being supported, that was the focus of Thursday night's sold-out Gateway Resources fundraising Gala at Buttercup Celebration Hall just north of Winkler. More than 200 people attended.
"When I look at all of the services Gateway offers, we can only do that with the community partnerships that we have and the relationships we build," shared C.E.O. Kim Nelson when asked to reflect on the packed house. "It is an integral part of every service we offer, to build bridges and build those relationships, so we can continue to do the work that we do."
Gateway Resources in based in Winkler, and provides supports, services and programming to adults with intellectual disabilities in the city, R.M. of Stanley and Morden.
Glimpses of Gateway
The evening provided attendees several "Glimpses of Gateway" through on stage fireside chats with program participants Steven Klassen, Colleen Voth and Helen Wiebe.
"I love it," said Nelson. "I get to hear the stories and the impact that Gateway has on people every day, and that is why I continue to work at Gateway. I am so happy other people in our community get to hear that message. I would love everyone to hear that."
Klassen, Voth and Wiebe all touched on what they do at Gateway, what skills they've learned, their favourite part of a typical day and how they are being supported currently. The Glimpses of Gateway have been part of the Gala for several years, but this was the first time a participant who uses American Sign Language as their primary form of communication came on stage to share. With the help of a translator, Helen Wiebe took attendees through her story.
Volunteering highlighted
Nelson also spent some time showcasing the volunteer roles Gateway participants are serving in the community, something many may not be aware of as part of the organization's options.
"We have a lot of people that want to volunteer, and put their hard work and their dedication (to use)," she said. "You will not find more dedicated people to support things that are happening in the community. Whether it's stocking shelves, whether it's coming in and doing a little bit of cleaning, all of these volunteer opportunities give back to the community, and they come back with such a purpose. We try to build that into all of the services we can."
"A successful endeavor"
At the 2024 Gateway Gala, Nelson's remarks pointed to the soon to be opened 204 Main Street South Seniors Activity Program space and Supported Independent Living apartments. Coming up on a year in operation, she couldn't be happier with the outcomes, so far.
"The community the Supported Independent Living program has upstairs is phenomenal," she said. "The relationships they're building, not only with themselves but with other people in the community, is truly what Gateway is for. The senior program being open allows us to continue to expand that program. We've been able to invite some of the community from the Winkler Seniors program to that space and share activities and resources. It has been a true dream come true."
The money raised at the Gala will support the ongoing programs and services of Gateway Resources.
