Earlier this week Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott spoke in the Ontario Legislature to trumpet a community success story – the new ARC Industries East building in Erin
In late January, ARC Industries East officially opened its new building in Erin.
ARC, which stands for Adult Rehabilitation Centre, is a program of community living Guelph Wellington which provides employment training and support for people with intellectual disabilities.
Arnott, who attended the event, told members of the legislature that one of the things that set this project apart is that it was funded entirely by local donors, without even requesting support from the government.
“On Saturday, Jan. 26, while some MPPs were at Maple Leaf Gardens trying to put a new face on things, I was at a different event … an event that that speaks volumes about the strength of our communities in Wellington-Halton Hills.”
He added, “As my friend Marvin McDougall, the chair of the fundraising committee, said so eloquently at the opening, ARC Industries is in the ‘hope’ business: hope for the future, including the hope that clients can take up their rightful place in the community.”
Arnott said, “ARC Industries East’s fundraising committee raised a million dollars for the project. It was like a miracle for a small community to do this in a time of economic challenge.”
Arnott added, “It is interesting to note that they never even asked for a government grant, because they thought that route would lead to nothing but delay. Instead, they leaned on local partnership and organizations, generous local donors, a local builder, and sub-trades.
“They have provided a template of how a caring community responds to show its compassion,” said Arnott during his Feb. 25 statement.
“I couldn’t wait to tell this story in this house because I am so proud of my constituents.
“Everyone involved deserves our warmest thanks and congratulations.”
