Community
Donald Family gives Special Gift to the Benalto Train Station
There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.” This could easily be reversed to read “The Heart is where the home is” in the case of the family of Joan and Jack Donald, their son John and his wife Joan, their daughter Kathy and her husband Peter Lacey.
The family members recently contributed $30,000 toward the refurbishment of the Benalto train station in its new role as a community museum and recreation centre. In 1971 Jack and Joan bought the abandoned CPR station and via an arduous trek had it hauled to the east bank of the Red Deer River near the C&E Trail. They soon converted the old station into a lovely cozy home where they enjoyed time with their family during the summer months.
After a decade Jack and Joan decided to build a permanent home on their land by the river and the station was sold and re-located to an area near the Burnt Lake Industrial Park on the western edge of Red Deer. There the station was able to continue its role as a family home for another 32 years.
In late 2012 the station was no longer needed as a residence and was offered back to the citizens of Benalto. In April of 2013 Benalto Station came full circle back to its roots. Sylvan Lake News did a nice story on this at the time. Over the last four years the station has slowly undergone its transition from family home to its future role as a museum, gathering place and recreation centre. A committee is working hard to raise the funds needed to complete the project.
All through the years, the Donald Family has been involved with the legacy of Benalto Station. Thanks to their insight in originally saving the building and giving it new life they are once again instilling their devotion to the community with their generous gift.
They have followed their home back to its origin. For the Donald’s it can truly be said: The Heart is where the Home is.
For more information about the Benalto Station, contact Benalto Booster Club, Angie Schickerowski, Secretary, 403-348-3731 [email protected] Dave More 403-746-3429 [email protected].
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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