Helping to Reach out to those with disabilities
“Christine” is a mental health survivor with a disability.
“Twice I obtained help from Reach,” she said, in a thank-you letter to the organization, which is holding a fundraising auction Oct. 22.
“In the first case, I was hit by an automobile. Reach connected me with an Ottawa lawyer, who treated me with great respect, made me aware that I had legal rights and obtained for me, in a settlement, physiotherapy so I could recover my physical health.”
The second time, she received legal help regarding her CPP disability payments.
“In the beginning of these legal travails, I had to ask myself, ‘who can help me?’ On my own, I didn’t have the knowledge, clarity, focus, strength or knowledge to move out of the mire. I was paralyzed, fearful and extremely stressed. Most of us survivors feel impotent; we don’t feel worthy or deserving. My wish is that Reach continues to receive the support they deserve so they can continue to provide their services. On behalf of the hundreds of voiceless disabled that you have helped, we thank you.”
Among those attending the Reach Auction will be Lianna Cousins, director of Mood Disorders Ottawa.
“We support it because of all Reach does for people with disabilities in mental health, physical health and intellectual health,” said Cousins, who attends the auction every year. “They keep people informed about what’s available to them. It’s a great education tool.”
She refers many of her clients to Reach for legal services.
Reach is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance and educational programming for people with disabilities, other health issues and human rights issues.
“It’s our duty as business owners to give back to the community,” said longtime donor and supporter Domenic Santaguida of Vittoria Trattoria. “We’ve been involved from the beginning in 1992. People with disabilities need help and there is no formal funding, so fundraising is necessary.”
The live stage items at the auction include a walk-on role on CBC’s television Murdoch Mysteries; a chance to be a NASCAR driver for a day for two, including hotel and airfare; various embassy dinners, certificates from Richard Robinson Haute Couture, as well as other items including art, hotels, travel, dining and spas.
This year’s Reach Annual Celebrity Auction presented by TD Bank Group will be held Thursday, Oct. 22, at the St. Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave.
The event features a corporate reception, silent and live auctions, along with a gourmet dinner catered by Vittoria Trattoria and jazz music by The Wave. Tickets and tables can be ordered at www. reach.ca or by calling 613-2366636.