NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE A local business, 20/20 Vision, raised more than $20,000 for the local Ronald McDonald House. Jim Stewart, co-owner and manager, together with his son Tyler, hold a symbolic cheque that will be presented to the charity this week.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A local business had a vision to give back to the community, and thanks to the success of a fundraiser, is donating more than $20,000 to the local Ronald McDonald House.
For 20/20 Vision the new year, 2020, had special significance – not to mention celebrating about 23 years in business. Supporting the Ronald McDonald House as a way to give back to the community was as easy choice, said Jim Stewart, co-owner and manager.
A member of staff at 20/20 Vision had personal experience of staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton for a period of about eight months, said Tyler Stewart, Jim’s son and a member of staff. The value of a Ronald McDonald House was particularly relevant and poignant.
Tyler was tasked with researching the options for a fundraising drive and decided on a multi-pronged approach.
On Jan. 3 a coffee shop, thanks to the local McDonald’s restaurant, was established in the 20/20 Vision store downtown. Staff and customers had the opportunity to purchase coffee and cookies and make donations. Tyler took it to another level, bringing in well-known community members to boost interest.
The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede queen and princess were on hand, the fire chief, police chief, former Medicine Hat Tiger Jerrid Sauer, CFL player Connor McGough and mayor Ted Clugston, said Tyler.
There was also a 20/20 Vision sale on frames and lenses, said Jim. The business matched the deal customers received and donated that to the fund.
Tyler says they also had raffles for seven sports jerseys and some prints plus there were some funds from the staff social fund.
When it was all said and done they’d raised $21,703.80.
“To see that number was amazing,” said Tyler, who’d been worried initially whether they would be able to raise half that.
“We’re extremely happy to be over $20,000,” said Jim.
The charity is also delighted to be the recipient of the funds.
“RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charity) Alberta’s mission depends on the support of the community,” says John Phin, regional development manager for RMHC Alberta, “Businesses like Vision 20/20 who are family-friendly, really understand the importance of keeping families together when they need it most.
“The funds raised make it possible for us to support families with seriously ill or injured children. This is a significant gift and we thank them for kicking off 2020 with their fundraising efforts”.
