A big thanks from ARCH

Final numbers have come in for two recent fundraisers held for Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH).

The 2016 Annual Ride for ARCH, organized by Reggie and Christine Daigle of Reggie’s West, held August 20, raised $10,215.

“All of us at ARCH are very appreciative to the organizers, volunteers and participants of the Ride for ARCH, with a special thank you to Reggie and Christine Daigle, Marcy Catherine, Alex D’Ettorre and Kerry Mackan Marshall for all of their hard work,” stated Julie Premo, ARCH volunteer and support services manager, in an email to SooToday.

Another community event/ARCH fundraiser held August 20, organized by Northern Superior Brewing Company and The TECH, was the Northern Superior Brew ’N’ Corn-Fest at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.

Winds and heavy rain came down on that event as the day went on.

“The weather may not have cooperated, but we’re very happy to announce that Corn-Fest raised $1,320 for ARCH,” wrote Nadine Robinson, spokesperson for The TECH, in a reply to SooToday Tuesday.

“Next year, the party will be bigger and better to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.”

“Anyone who has had a family member or friend at ARCH knows that the service that they provide is exceptional.  As it is only partially funded by the government, ARCH is very deserving of this community’s support,” Robinson wrote. 

In June, Sault MPP David Orazietti announced a provincial funding increase of $150,000 annually for ARCH, located at 229 Fourth Line West.

The funding is a top up to the amount of $966,000 the province gives annually to ARCH.

Despite government funding, ARCH still needs to generate $600,000 each year through fundraising for utilities, heat, food and all other non-medical expenses.

ARCH opened its doors in 2008.

Approximately 150 terminally-ill individuals are cared for and their families comforted at the 10-bed facility annually.