Sunset Community receives grant to enhance commercial laundry

An organization that helps adults with disabilities has received a $44,530 federal grant to assist with an expansion to its laundry service.

Cumberland Colchester MP Lenore Zann presented the grant to the Sunset Community on behalf of Economic Development and Official Language Minister Mélanie Joly. The money is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.

“Ensuring workplace inclusion takes more than encouragement. It requires thoughtful policies, adequate funding and strong government support,” Zann said in a news release. “Sunset Industries has been doing this important work, in both Oxford and Pugwash, which is vital for those living with disabilities in our rural communities.

The opportunities it provides help make life fulfilling for them – and their families.”

The contribution will help the organization strengthen its social enterprise by expanding its laundry. Upgrades include new equipment, improved accessibility, and a more functional workspace. The improvements will allow Sunset to provide more training and programming for its clients, improve its financial sustainability and meet the growing demand for its commercial laundry service from local businesses.

“The Sunset Community is honoured to receive this acknowledgement and funding from the government of Canada, thereby supporting the growth of our social enterprise employment programs and service options,” Sunset Community CEO Julie Hoeg said.

“This expansion of our commercial laundry will translate to more opportunities for increasing skills and meaningful work, as well as enhancing our ability to meet the needs of local businesses.”

She said the Sunset Community is proud to offer inclusive and rewarding employment for all individuals. Investments in the future of social enterprise will ensure continued achievement of Sunset’s mission of helping people be the best they can be.