DREAM Adaptive water sports program gets $7,500 Weyerhaeuser grant
From left, Ben Moore, volunteer Julia Houston and Tony Rojo enjoy a ride on a raft around Echo Lake as part of DREAM Adaptive Recreation's summer water sports program in this July 12, 2018, file photo. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
DREAM Adaptive Recreation has received a $7,500 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support the nonprofit's summer water sports program.
The grant will help defray the costs of the program, which aims to empower people with disabilities through a variety of water sports.
"Weyerhaeuser is such an important part of our success each year," Julie Tickle, DREAM Adaptive's executive director, said in a news release. "Their annual support allows us to provide inclusive lake activities for those living in the Flathead Valley. This past year truly highlighted the importance of outdoor recreation for our physical and mental health.
"However, individuals with disabilities often face many barriers when it comes to accessing outdoor spaces. DREAM aims to break down barriers and help people with disabilities fully participate and be represented in our outdoor-minded community."
The DREAM Adaptive summer water sports program will continue through Friday at the Thompson family's private residence on Echo Lake in Bigfork. Thursday through Thursday sessions are open to individuals ages 5 to adults and their families, including those with physical, cognitive, intellectual and sensory impairments.
Friday is reserved for military veterans with disabilities and their family members. Activities will include standard and adaptive water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, tubing, paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and swimming. No previous experience is required as staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide support and instruction.
Weyerhaeuser currently operates three mills and has nearly 600 employees in Montana. The company has lumber and plywood mills in Kalispell and a medium-density fiberboard mill in Columbia Falls.
"The mission of the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund is to improve the quality of life in communities where Weyerhaeuser has a presence," Jason Simpson, the manager of the MDF plant and a member of the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund committee, said in a statement. "We made our first charitable donation in 1903 and have provided more than $243 million in grants through our formal giving program, established in 1948."
More information about DREAM Adaptive can be found at dreamadaptive.org.