The MSA Society provides:

-          service to 74 local people (from ages 19 to over 50)

-          supports to individuals who live in a variety of residential settings

-          day service programs that include leisure recreation, education, community volunteering, field trips and other activities.

Individuals served by the MSA Society have a wide range of developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, Autism, seizure disorders, visual and hearing impairments, as well as other disabilities.

After decades of using a number of older buildings on a property near the Abbotsford Automall, the Society has recently purchased the building previously identified as the Health Unit at 2391Crescent Way. After demolishing the interior of the current structure, a new interior needs to be created.

Plans for this site include:

-          Day service programs for individuals

-          Administrative staff offices

-          Board room for staff and committee meetings

-          A large media room for use by the MSA Society, and available for use by different community groups and business organizations who need a meeting room with high speed Internet access, a large screen projector, and kitchen facilities

As a non-profit Society the MSA Society relies on donations from the community to help fund their various programs. To furnish and equip the new building they are seeking donations as well.

Some of the building supplies needed include:

-          industrial tile flooring, double pane windows, window coverings

-          plates for the bottom of doors to protect them from damage by wheelchairs and walkers

-          wooden deck for back patio

-          small powered lift for auditorium steps

Once the building is completed there are many items that will be needed to furnish the building and enhance the lives of the individuals who use the premises. These include:

-          computers, printers and educational software

-          high definition TV projector, screen and surround sound (for the media room)

-          CD/tape players, DVD player, wall or ceiling mounted stereo (for media room), audio-visual trolley for TV/VCR/DVD

-          dry erase boards and pens

-          adjustable electric bed for personal care

-          couches, recliners and round meeting tables and chairs

-          washable, durable chairs with arms

-          sturdy patio furniture

-          durable tables that accommodate wheelchairs

-          securable cabinets for paperwork (lockable file cabinets)

-          lawn furnishings and umbrella table

-          assorted outdoor games (badminton net and rackets, bocchi, etc)

-          exercise mats

-          arts and craft supplies (paper, glue, scissors, felts, glue, markers, etc.)

-          painting easels

-          speech therapy equipment (talking board that will vocalize for individuals with limited vocal activity)

-          bike maintenance kits for volunteers who repair bikes for the bike recovery program through Community Policing

One of the largest donations needed is a new van that is wheelchair accessible. This will allow participants to be driven to and from activities and trips during day services programs.

Of course, one of the most important donations would be money that could be applied to purchase those things that are most needed. Financial gifts of any size are greatly appreciated, and ALL gifts will be reciprocated with a charitable receipt for use on Income Taxes. As well as a receipt you will be recognized in a special wall display inside the new facility.

Some of the donations we've received so far include:

Complete website development and software package - Hi-Performance Enterprises, White Rock, B.C.

Cash donation - Pinkus and Chaia Huberman Foundation

Discounted and donated lighting - Buy the Right Light Co., Abbotsford, B.C.

Discounted office furniture - Tops Office Supply, Abbotsford, B.C.

Donated and discounted cleaning supplies - Flyte Enterprises, Abbotsford, B.C.

Donated bark mulch for landscaping - Denbow Transport, Chilliwack, B.C.

Cash donation - Diane Delves, Argent Appraisers, Abbotsford, B.C.

Once the building is complete a silent auction will be held at the Grand Opening. We have the following prizes donated for that:

Driftwood Bird Sculpture - Dwight Roscoe, artist, Kelowna, B.C.

Deluxe One night stay and meals - Pinnacle Lodge and Spa at Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks, B.C.

Wine gift basket - Diane Delves, Argent Appraisers, Abbotsford, B.C.

If you'd like to participate in this VERY worthwhile cause - please contact me to let me know how you can help!

Email Phone - 778-241-2256

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