The Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society (or Foothills AIM Society) held their wildly successful 26th annual golf tournament on Friday, June 22nd! The event was held in part to raise funds in order to support programming for adults with developmental disabilities in the Foothills community. Unfortunately, the treacherous rain prevented the golfers from completing their full rounds but the lunch, banquet, and silent auction were all a full success! You can see the Eagle Street Team's time there with the images below!

 

Driving around the golf course, saying hi to all the participants with Sherry Toomey, an active, dedicated employee of the Foothills AIM Society, I learnt a lot of the role the society plays in integrating different individuals into the community. First working as a job coach, then moving onto outreach, Sherry now works as the Home Living Manager for Okotoks. By coordinating with residential care providers in Okotoks, Sherry ensures that families, couples, or individuals can assist clients of AIM. By integrating the clients into their own homes and providing them with the care, attention, and guidance that they require, the respite providers ensure their peaceful transition into society as a whole. 

 

Speaking with Sherry, I was inspired by her own brother's story: born with Carpenter syndrome, a condition characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones, abnormalities of extremities, and other developmental problems. The condition is extremely rare, affecting around 500 individuals globally, and so Sherry's brother required special care for his condition. Sherry moved him to Alberta from Cape Breton, telling me it was the "best decision she had ever made for him". Despite his hardships, he has become a published author of children's books. Discovered by his own job coach, who gave him the confidence he needed to pursue his passion, Sherry's brother has illustrated his story and has also found a publisher to help him in his artistic journey! His story has inspired me to envision a more equitable future, where individuals of concordant passions can communicate and share their talents, no matter any physical or mental boundaries. 

 

The Foothills AIM Society is truly a commendable institution! If you would like to support their cause, feel free to visit www.faims.org. Their upcoming event will be their 16th Annual High River Half Marathon - a wonderful fundraiser, inspiring you to get active not only for your physical health, but the health of your community as well!

 

Catch the Eagle Summer Street Team at our next adventure: BuskersFest held at Downtown Okotoks! Support local talent by coming down to see all different kinds of performers, from singers and musicians to street performers and jugglers. Running from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, June 23rd, you can catch the Eagle Team in front of the station around noon! Come and say hi to us at our station if you're looking for some free goodies! 

Also be sure to enter for your chance to win the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 at ridetheram.com! Place Okotoks as your preferred station to help us out!

Quick thanks to the sponsors, CARSTAR, Hometown Dental, Rim 2 Rim, Nanton Water, iDental, and the George Traditional House. Thank you guys so much for everything that you make possible!

Finally, if you are interested in having the Eagle cover a community event, please do not hesitate to contact the team at skshatriya@goldenwestradio.com! It is my hope that we can collaborate together in pursuit of a more connected community!