Let me tell you a story…

I know a someone who was born with Down Syndrome in 1945. As it became apparent at age 5, she was different. So, she was institutionalized. Her sisters were left wondering if they would see her again and wondered what kind of home she was living in. One of the sisters, at 16 years of age, traveled 200km to see her 5-year-old sisters new home. She traveled by bicycle from the farm to town and then took the several hour train ride to Bridie’s home. Seeing her sister being beaten, in squalid living conditions with many, many others, she resolved to bring Bridie back home.

As the two approached, while cooking in the kitchen the mother saw them coming across the field to the house and said aloud “what’s that girl gotten up to now?

She was taken back to a different institution. One that was checked out, clean and a comfortable place for Bridie to live.

Over the years, her sisters and brothers-in-law would visit her and see that she was ok. With warm hugs, and closeness, she enjoyed seeing her siblings. She had friends, good care and a sense of belonging.
Bridie died in 1998 in that place she called home for 53 years.

I hope you will consider making a gift to make a difference in the lives of so many who need our help. Any amount helps. There’s no amount too small or large. Each gift helps. People sometimes ask why does The Realty School care? Why is this important?

You see, Bridie is not another statistic. She is my aunt. And those women in the picture—those are her sisters. The man with his arm around her…That’s my Dad. And the 16 year old girl who save her from the deplorable living conditions and brought her back home on a 125 mile train trip….. That’s my mom.

Please consider making a gift of any amount. Your gift will be automatically doubled with a matching fund by the Realty School. Your gift goes a long way and is not tax deductible. Your generosity for another is greatly appreciated by so many people including all the families involved. Thank you.