The Rotary Club of Westmount and the Building Hope Campaign of the Taylor Birks Foundation announced last week that the Club has pledged an important donation of $100,000 to fund the building of a respite home for children with mental disabilities who live in western Montreal. The donation will be the largest contribution to the project to date.

In the same way as a hospital foundation operates, the Taylor Birks Foundation supports the West Montreal Readaptation Centre, the Quebec public rehabilitation agency that provides educational, residential and community services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Western Montreal.

The goal of the Building Hope campaign is to raise $1 million for the construction of a 3,300 square foot specially-designed respite home on land adjacent to the Child and Family Centre of the West Montreal Readaptation Centre in Beaconsfield. The home will serve families with intellectually disabled or autistic children with moderate to severe behavioural challenges. These families presently face a significant shortage of suitable respite facilities.

Cynthia Campbell, President of The Rotary Club of Westmount, noted the history of support that Rotary Clubs across Canada have given in assisting families dealing with intellectual disabilities. “This important project was first brought to the attention of the club membership last year through Past President Heather Borrelli. After viewing several presentations and much consideration, as a membership we agreed to offer a sizeable contribution. Our commitment will hopefully encourage other Rotary clubs in our district to contribute to this very worthy and much needed project.”

As Westmount’s only service club, The Rotary Club of Westmount supports community projects throughout the year from the proceeds of its fundraising projects. This is the largest commitment the club has made since it built the Manoir Westmount senior residence in 1979.

“These particular funds come from a donation to the club from the estate of Edna Burrows, widow of Rotarian Jack Burrows. We honour them for their generosity and Rotary spirit of service above self,” said Campbell.

Gary Whittaker, Chairman of the Taylor Birks Fund Raising Committee for the project lauds the members of The Rotary Club of Westmount for this important support that will help these families in need. “This respite facility will be a key contributor to the prevention of the family breakdown that is so common in families facing the challenge of raising intellectually disabled and autistic children.”

Construction of the home is scheduled to begin in the summer 2009 with a projected opening in early 2010. For further information contact Jacquie Scott, Taylor Birks Foundation at 514-592-1138 or Cynthia Campbell, The Rotary Club of Westmount at 514-487-2131 or Ian Moodie. President, Taylor-Birks Foundation at 514-933-4141.