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Saskatoon man begins journey to create fully accessible resort

May 17, 2016 | 5:00 PM

Life for people with mobility issues can be challenging, but one man is clearing the path to make the weight a little lighter.

Jason Stanoffsky has started a GoFundMe campaign in hopes to raise $125,000 to renovate his Emma Lake resort to be accessible for people with mobility issues.

In 2002, Stanoffsky opened Jewel of the North Resort, but tragically got into a car accident in 2006. He broke his neck as the result of a single vehicle rollover and has been a quadriplegic since.

“This is really not about me, I am able to get by with the support I have of my friends and family,” Stanoffsky said. “This is about making the resort fully accessible to a whole community of people who would not have this opportunity without the project completed.”

With the partnership of a close friend, the project got off the ground two months ago and has seen great support since that point.

Within a month and a half of starting the fundraiser, the account grew to about $6,000.

“We’re taking a very extensive approach to this renovation” He said.

The modifications will include adjustable electric beds, mechanical joists, and wheel- in showers.

Another notable improvement will be the addition of asphalt driveways around the resort instead of the pre-existing gravel to make areas like the fire pit fully wheelchair accessible.

Stanoffsky said before his accident, he dreamed of making the resort friendly to people with restricted mobility; it was always an intention as the facility was built with modifications such as widened doorways from the start.

The renovations for the resort are set to begin next month and will be the next step in the process of fulfilling Jason’s plan to provide a way for people with restricted mobility to enjoy the beauty of northern Saskatchewan.

 

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