The Royal Bank Hanmer Staff have been raising funds for over two years to support a class of deaf blind children attending Notre Dame du Rosaire School in Blezard Valley. Between now and Easter, the staff is once again embarking on a special promotion to help with the purchase and installation of a hot tub, which will benefit the children who are confined to wheelchairs.

In the photo, four of the staff members, from the left, Helene Savage, Kelly McNicoll, Gisele Hamelin and Sue Page are helping add paper ‘bunnies’ to the tree which is located in the main banking area. Patrons have been making donations in any amount of their choosing. With each donation, their name is being added to a paper Easter Bunny which is then hung on the special Easter Tree which has been planted as part of an attractive display near the mall entrance. All names are being entered into a draw for an Easter basket.

Teacher Suzanne Fortin, of Notre Dame du Rosaire School, has created a specially equipped room, called the Snoezelen room, for children with special needs, and she has also developed a program for these children. There is no government funding for the class and they need supplies and equipment. The maintenance and equipment is very costly.

The Snoezelen room has fibre optic lights, gentle vibration, tactile sensations, music and aromatherapy. This room is used for the development and day-to-day well being of the children. The Snoezelen room is available to and is being used by children with special needs in the Sudbury area from any school board.

The Royal Bank Staff adopted Ms. Fortin and her Snoezelen Room as their special project and have since held several fund-raising events during each of the past two years. They have been overwhelmed with the support that the public has shown in the early days of the campaign and know that the children will be most appreciative when they see how much this community cares about their well-being.