A Trail family’s life just got a little easier Friday thanks to a generous donation from a local business.
The McIsaac family received $20,000 from Extra Foods and the President’s Choice Children’s Charity to provide Devon McIsaac with a wheelchair-accessible van.
Paul and Tammy McIsaac have had a difficult time moving the 11-year-old in and out of the rear of their van as the chair doesn’t fit properly and it is a dangerous undertaking in the middle of the street.
The modifications to the van will enable access on the side.
“This will make it a lot easier for Devon . . . and it’s a little bit safer for him and a lot safer for us,” said Paul.
The staff at Extra Foods raised money towards this gift by selling icons to customers and through direct employee contributions. The funds raised go to the children’s charity that distributes moneys to children with a diagnosed physical or developmental disability.
“People apply for grants and Devon happened to be chosen and I’m just ecstatic because it’s in our town, it’s huge,” said manager Stephanie Bella.
Devon suffers from autism, chronic respiratory problems, epilepsy and other related illnesses.
“Every day is a challenge,” said Tammy McIsaac. “There is so much stress involved but this will really help.”
Loblaw’s, Extra Foods’ parent company, fully funds the charity, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to helping kids across Canada.
“I am so thrilled to be part of a community where the generosity is unfathomed and I’m also proud to be part of an amazing team here at Extra Foods and to help make a difference in our little sector of the world,” said store owner Blair McAuley.
The Waneta Plaza store also contributes to the Breakfast for Learning program that provides hot breakfasts and lunches to students at Webster Elementary, Glenmerry Elementary and Trail Middle School.
Extra Foods will continue to raise funds, kicking off another campaign in the fall, where for $2 customers can purchase a sticker to show their support for the children’s charity.
“The staff and community have done a fabulous job raising money so we can help kids like Devon, but there is so much more we need to do and so many more kids we need to help,” said McAuley.