On May 6th, 2021, over 1000 community leaders and supporters came together virtually for the popular luncheon in support of the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch.
From 11:15-11:45 we invited our event sponsors and their guests to join Glori Meldrum, Board Chair and Founder of Little Warriors for a chapter reading of her book “Warrior” followed by a Q & A.
The main event kicked off with a beautiful performance by singer Tea G and a blessing from our friend and supporter Paul Collins. Our emcee, Jason Gregor, then thanked our amazing event sponsors and welcomed guests and dignitaries. Jason shared a neat story about Rugby, our trauma facility dog from Dogs With Wings. Before Rugby came to the Be Brave Ranch, Jason and his family had fostered him to help his child overcome his fear of dogs.
Jason then introduced Glori who shared a bit of her story and why and how she started Little Warriors and how the Be Brave Ranch came to be. Glori then introduced Dr. Wanda Polzin Holman, Clinical Director at the Be Brave Ranch who gave an update on the life changing work that is being done at the Be Brave Ranch.
Adam Temple, President of Inline Group Inc. our Homecoming Sponsor, then took the stage to introduce our Be Brave Ranch Graduate Cheyenne.
Cheyenne did a tremendous job of telling her story of how her time at the Be Brave Ranch helped her find strength, courage and power to overcome the sexual abuse she had endured. She articulated that without the help of donors like the ones in attendance at this event, treatment would not be possible. She inspired hope by sharing the details of her life today, positive and well 5 years after completing her clinical treatment. She told a story of how when she was at the Ranch and would look at the donor wall she felt so thankful to all of the companies and individuals who had helped make the Be Brave Ranch treatment centre possible.
Roy Bird, Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Sherwood Park, who were the Be Brave Award Sponsors, was honoured to present Cheyenne with the Be Brave Award. Following that, Glori talked about how donations to Little Warriors and the Be Brave Ranch can make an impact. This video then played.
We were proud to announce our new Social Return on Investment research on the “Five Areas of Cost Savings” associated with treating child sexual abuse survivors, including helping to create stronger families, reducing strain on the school, healthcare and criminal justice systems and supporting smoother transitions into young adulthood. Preliminary calculations indicate for every $1 million invested in child sexual abuse treatment, $11 million is saved. You can learn more here.
Gary Meldrum, Glori’s husband, then closed off the show with a very special song Red Ribbons. This song was inspired by a chapter in Glori’s book “Warrior”. It was the first time Gary performed the song live and it was such a touching way to end this memorable event.
You can view event pictures on our Facebook page here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable event. We are grateful for all of the support from our sponsors, guests and donors.
If you have any questions about this event please email Shannon at shannon@littlewarriors.ca
