Hand-In-Hand continues to thrive

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Sunny South News

Hand-In-Hand Picture Butte Thrives held a meeting Nov. 21 to discuss the future of the committee.

As the brochure of the group states, Hand-In-Hand is a community-based committee formed to help co-ordinate various initiatives to help business and other community-based organizations build better practices in relating to clientele, volunteers and employees. The focus of the committee, according to the brochure, is trying to create the best family-friendly environments within an organization.

At the meeting, the co-ordinator of the committee Manna Middleton, distributed certificates to initiative partners and stickers to committee members.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed and selected two business nominees for the Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award. Nominees selected by the committee were official member partners ATB Financial and Scotiabank, both located in Picture Butte. The committee nominated the Picture Butte Library for a Spirit of ‘Butte award, as well. The committee also re-evaluated potential membership lists of community members and businesses to approach for conversation and possible new applicants.

Other items on the agenda included a discussion on new grant money opportunities and initial dates for a future information night, which may include other community organizations and/or committees. One of the main objectives of the committee is to get the message out about the group.

A member partner of the committee, Marg Van Egmond from ECMap (Early Child Development Mapping Project Alberta), noted interested community members can visit the ECMap.ca website to look up Lethbridge County results for Picture Butte.

“What we’re doing is recognizing the strengths and wanting it to continue because it’s amazing. The results are amazing compared to the provincial,” said Van Egmond, of why Picture Butte thrives, as a family-friendly community.

But, Van Egmond added, the results are only one measure.

“The other measure is how people feel about living in the community and the community pride.”

Both Middleton and Van Edmond noted the results speak volumes to the over and beyond of community support — especially in regards to fundraising and volunteer hours for any initiative in the community.

“You need to maintain momentum with the good things that are happening,” added Van Egmond.

As the committee moves forward, its vision statement holds true. Hand-In-Hand Thrives celebrates uniqueness of all ages, diversity amongst neighbours and residents embrace strengths of the town’s citizens, rising together as a community. The Town of Picture Butte and the Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce are partners in this initiative.

Currently, the committee is looking for new businesses and community members to come on board as partners in the notion of the family unit being a central part of any community. Hand-In-Hand Picture Butte Thrives will meet Jan. 16, 2015 at 9 a.m. (below the Picture Butte Library) for the committee’s next scheduled meeting.