Get ready to tease your hair, pull on your leg warmers, and party like it’s 1985! Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin invites you to step back into the 80’s for a night of fun, fashion, and fundraising at the Radisson Hotel in Sudbury on December 6th.
Guests will enjoy delicious food, themed cocktails, and a high-energy dance party featuring your favourite 80’s hits. It’s all part of the 16th Annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities Gala. Angela Gray, Executive Director of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin says, “It’s an opportunity to support the incredible programs we provide to help individuals living with disabilities build independence, confidence, and connection in our community.”
For tickets visit them online here.
ILSM is the Heart of Member Support
Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin is a vital, community-based, non-profit organization that is guided by the Independent Living Philosophy. The ILSM Resource Centre helps individuals with disabilities build skills and confidence through hands-on programs that make a real difference. Gray says, “We provide supports in the form of recreation, leisure, and learning opportunities such as cooking, budgeting, and life skills workshops. Our organization’s expertise in accessibility makes us a trusted resource and leader for the wider Sudbury community.”
The ILSM Resource Centre is a welcoming space where members call Angela Gray “Executive Mom.” They participate in activities that teach everyday skills such as cooking to enjoying breakfast and lunch with other members. Last year, their food program provided 11,270 meals. Gray says, “We’ve experienced rapid growth in a very short period of time. Two years ago, we had fewer than 100 members. Currently we have a membership of more than 600 people.”
ILSM also keeps members informed about changes to programs that may impact them, such as the Disability Tax Credit or the Passport Program. Gray adds, “ILSM also plays a key role in helping members access the Direct Funding program, an initiative that allows adults with physical disabilities to manage their own care by hiring and scheduling their attendants, and making their own choices. Direct Funding enables adults to become employers of their own attendants.”
Giving Hope & Building Independence
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities Gala raises crucial funds to help ILSM continue to help adults with disabilities live independent and rewarding lives. Gray points out, “As a registered charity, ILSM receives a small amount of funding from the federal and provincial governments. That is why we depend on the generosity of community partners and events like our Signature Gala to continue providing the programs and services that make a real difference in the lives of our members.” The members pay a small annual fee of $20 to take part in the programs.
ISLM’s results speak for themselves. Through its partnership with Spark Employment Centre, 85% of participants who complete the program find employment. Gray says, “Some have launched their own businesses, while others contribute as full-time or part-time employees and dedicated volunteers. Our members are helping to keep Greater Sudbury moving forward.”
Celebrating Ability, Inspiring Independence
Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin wants to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities and to get the message out that persons with disabilities are independent, gainfully employed, and contribute to their communities. The 80’s Gala will be a celebration of the work of ILSM and a tribute to the achievements of persons with disabilities.
Get ready to travel back in time at the 16th Annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities Gala on December 6th from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. The evening promises delicious food, dancing, silent auction, and a nostalgic 80’s vibe. More importantly, the gala raises funds to help Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin keep its doors open to continue supporting its members.
Every dollar raised stays in Sudbury Manitoulin. Make it a night to remember by celebrating at the 80’s Gala while giving back to a great cause.
