When the Goettler Family Foundation donated funding to Red Roof Retreat to host community events, executive director Steffanie Bjorgan decided she’d like to book some ice time for skating at the local arena.
Even though not all clients would be able to skate, she thought they’d enjoy being pushed on the ice in their wheelchairs, and that it would also be fun to include the community.
This Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, Red Roof is inviting the community to enjoy a free skate time, with hot chocolate being served in the lobby.
Charlie Rookley, one of Red Roof’s staff members, plays sledge hockey, and will have a couple of sleds on the ice to demonstrate how it’s played, said Bjorgan.
Part of the plan is to display the drawings for the new build of The Ranch on Concession 6, revealing more details of the “All You Need is Love” awareness campaign, the expansion that will give Red Roof a much larger two-storey house for respite care and ongoing programs for their clients, and some upgrades to the barn, outdoor pavilion and surrounding property.
Bjorgan says her hope is to begin building this fall, with new doors open in 2026.
A “quiet phase” of the necessary fundraising campaign has begun, and half of what is required for the expansion has already been raised, Bjorgan said, and more information will be made available as the project is finalized with council approval, and naming opportunities announced.
Don’t miss out on the fun, Tuesday Feb. 25 at the Meridian Credit Union Arena in Virgil, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.