VALID Celebrates 60 Years

VALID Celebrates 60 Years

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID) had every reason to hold a celebration at the Legion Hall on September 25 as this organization has been helping people with disabilities have a full and dignified life for 60 years.

Board members, Dignitaries, community partners, clients and everyone associated with VALID attended this event which was full of laughter, love, and memories.

Similar to all honors, Community Service Director for Vegreville, Phil Rowe presented VALID Board Chair, Bert Vinet with a 60 Years of Service plaque for VALID.

Vinet proceeded to tell the of VALID’s history. In 1959, Dr. Ross Cairns with parents in the community started a school for children with disabilities where they used the Beaver Bennet Scout Hut for the classroom. In 1963, the Dr. Cairns School was opened. The first residence was opened in 1972 which was called the Children’s Residence.

Another home opened in 1976, this being the East Residence, which housed six adults.

Later, they decided to have services available for adults with disabilities and the group decided a sheltered workshop was the way to go and they enlisted the help of Vegreville Rotary Club. The 110 Workshop opened its doors in the spring of 1979 where it continued to expand.

Integration was becoming the direction and the children of Dr. Cairns School were included in the public system in the fall of 1987. In 1990, the children’s residence closed and new homes for VALID opened. In 1997, the training centre was renovated and officially reopened with Pot O Gold.

On January 6, 2000, VALID was accredited by the Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centre.

On September 23, 2009 at VALID AGM, a presentation was made for the transfer of ownership of the Dr. Cairns school property where Gus Borzel, the Board Chair at that time, presented the mayor of Vegreville with a cheque in the amount of $1.00 to purchase the building and land that houses our main office.

There have been many advancements and projects later. VALID has recently purchased two additional properties near the main administrative building for future growth and expansion.

Throughout the years, the value of community and many partnerships has been paramount in the growth and success of the organization. After this, there was a powerpoint presentation that was created by Allison Steeden which showcased many fun times VALID had and some of their accomplishments.