Lakeland Industries Inc. gets boost from Ottawa
Published Saturday September 6th, 2008
MCADAM - Lakeland Industries Inc. has received federal funding for an expansion program that will increase its workforce and allow it to serve more clients.
Greg Thompson, the Tory MP for New Brunswick Southwest, made the announcement, which will see $500,000 provided for the $700,000 expansion project.
He made the announcement on behalf of Peter MacKay, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"The benefits of Lakeland's work in teaching critical life and work skills are far-reaching," said Thompson.
"Our government is pleased and proud to be supporting this important organization to help more people in a safer, more efficient environment.
"Nothing important was ever achieved without taking a chance. Lakeland Industries' sheltered workshop is all about taking chances and giving chances, working with people to help them reach their full potential and creating opportunities for individuals and in turn benefitting not only the clients but also their families and local businesses."
Claudia Young, chairwoman of Lakeland's board of directors, said the funding provides an opportunity to expand and grow.
"The approval of our application for funding from ACOA has provided Lakeland Industries and Resource Centre with a wonderful opportunity for growth and expansion of services to our clients, which is at the heart of everything we do at the sheltered workshop and food bank," said Young.
Lakeland Industries runs a sheltered workshop that was founded in 1981 to assist adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to learn employment and life skills.
"This project will enhance and improve the working environment for everyone at Lakeland - clients, staff and volunteers," she said.
"It will provide a proper setting and security for the food and clothing bank services we provide for the region.
"This will make a long and lasting difference in the lives of a lot of people in the area."
McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll directed attention to those present from Marwood and CertainTeed - both major partners in the work undertaken by the clients at Lakeland Industries - who manufacture wooden pallets, survey stakes and stickers used in those industries.
Carroll said the sheltered workshop facility will add an additional 6,000 square feet, almost equal in size of the main building on the premises.
"With this expansion, the services will increase, particularly for women, an area that has been lacking for a long time," said Carroll.
The mayor singled out Arleigh and Ruby Wilson for their dream back in the early 1980s of having a sheltered workshop facility.
"You had a vision and you worked hard along with others to make it happen," said Carroll.
"Today, we will be able to continue with that vision through this funding from ACOA."
Lakeland Industries has 24 clients, five of which are women.
Carroll said the workshop is an industralized setting, but with the expansion there will be an opportunity for about six more women to become involved on the domestic side of work skills.
"It will also provide several full-time employees in a supervisory capacity," said Carroll.
"We have done a lot of research on potential clients, particularly women."
Charles Harn, account manager for ACOA Fredericton, has worked closely with the board of directors of Lakeland Industries to secure the funding for this expansion which was accessed through the Innovative Communities Fund.
"The expanded facilities will beef up the food bank and resource centre area," said Harn.
The tiny building is too crowded for its intended purpose.
The food bank and resource center serves many clients in the Harvey/McAdam and surrounding areas.
"The sheltered workshop plays an important role in assisting local companies in bringing their product to market," said Harn.
"The clients provide a service to the industry. Lakeland also provides an environment for the socialization of the clients at Lakeland."
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