By Morinville News Staff
Morinville – A $1.1 million donation from the LaBonte family has put Little Warriors considerably closer to their goal of building the Be Brave Ranch, a centre that would provide a 30-day in-treatment program for children who are victims of sexual abuse. The ranch would provide the abused with the therapy the organization feels is necessary to help them now and in the future. The donation was presented at the Little Warriors Annual Little warriors Garden Party fundraiser.
“You never know who your angels are going to be,” said Little Warriors founder Glori Meldrum in a release issued Monday. “I am eternally grateful to the LaBonte family for its kindness, love and generosity, and have decided to name the ranch The Be Brave Ranch by Ray LaBonte and Family. No words can express my gratitude, but I hope that’s a start.”
Local mom pleased
Morinville resident and Little Warriors advocate Brandi, whose last name is being withheld to protect the identity of her daughter who is a victim of child sex abuse, was pleased to be present when the donation was made. Brandi and her daughter have both been active in the organization, most recently taking part in the Edmonton leg of the Victor Walk from Churchill Square to the Legislature.
“I was there when the cheque was presented and had the honour of meeting this truly amazing family,” Brandi said. “Words can’t describe what this money means and how truly emotional I am that in the foreseeable future this generation of children, and my child in particular, will be afforded a real chance at healing while they are still kids … instead of the years of hard work that many of us functional adult survivors have had to endure to get some closure and healing.”
Brandi said she was amazed at the generosity of everyday people who are building the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch with or without the government’s help in seeing the organization’s dream become a reality.
