MLA Ted Morton, Executive Director Sherrie Botten, Board Chair Lorna Shaw and MLA George Groeneveld

 

The 2011 Hope and Healing Gala on Saturday is being hailed a resounding success for the Rowan House Emergency Shelter.

The big moment of the night was when Highwood MLA George Groeneveld and Foothills-Rockyview MLA Ted Morton called Executive Director, Sherrie Botten, back to the front of the room and surprised her with a cheque for 250-thousand dollars.

Botten says they needed 300-thousand dollars to be able to break ground in June and with the province's donation, things are looking very positive.



She says they also want to thank the Foothills community for it's generosity and support.

 

Calgary Police Chief, Rick Hanson

 

Botten says it's a very exciting time for them, but they hope the community will continue to lend a hand.

She says they also need an extra 1.2 million dollars in operating funds over the next three years so they can open at the fully capacity the new shelter will allow.

 

She says the province may not fund them past their current capacity of six beds, which is why they'll have to continue to fundraise once the new facility is under construction.