The fundraising initiative “Giving Tuesday” has been turned into a month-long campaign by Community Living Essex County and their corporate sponsor doubled their efforts last week.
Libro Credit Union matched the $6,000 raised by Community Living Essex County (CLEC) with a $6,000 donation of its own, and the $12,000 total will be put towards smart support technology devices, such as smart phones and tablets for the people CLEC supports.
“Giving Tuesday is a movement on a global scale where non-profit charitable organizations kick off the giving season while spreading awareness for their cause,” explained CLEC executive director Karen Bolger.
Bolger stated since its introduction in 2012, all contributions made to CLEC from the designated “Giving Tuesday” start date in late November or early December have been matched dollar-for-dollar, to a pre-determined maximum by a corporate partner.
“Community Living Essex County extends ‘Giving Tuesday’ beyond a one-day event to a month-long fundraiser,” she said.
Libro Credit Union has been CLEC’s matching corporate partner since 2019.
“The 2023 campaign reached its goal of $12,000, with $6,000 raised by Community Living Essex County and matched dollar-for-dollar, to a maximum of $6,000 by Libro,” said Bolger.
Bolger noted technology is a fundamental aspect of everyone’s lives and it is no different for people with an intellectual disability.
“Providing access to these types of technology devices and the support to use them helps people with intellectual disabilities to be part of an inclusive, modern society,” said Bolger. “With these funds, new avenues are opened for people with limited communication, life skills and social networking abilities.”
Scott Legault, who is supported by CLEC and part of the self-advocacy group New Day, noted he is the secretary for New Day and the technology he has acquired helps him with such things as compiling meeting minutes.
John Dufour, a relationship manager with Libro, said it was an opportunity for the company to do more in the community, assist people with their jobs and maintain relationships with others.
“We’re happy to be part of it,” added Mesba Qasim, community manager with Libro. “This is just one of the ways we are proud to give back to the community.”
CLEC supports over 700 people with intellectual disabilities and their families within the county. For more information or to donate, call 519-776-6483 or visit www.communitylivingessex.org.
Libro Credit Union matches CLEC’s “Giving Tuesday” fundraising
By RTT Staff
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