Saturday (Oct.14) was a good day for Special Olympics athletes in Alberta, with the help of two local restaurants.

Boston Pizza Lacombe hosted a fundraiser with the Law Enforcement Torch Run Saturday evening, where Special Olympics Alberta athletes had the chance to work with the servers and engage with guests.

Raising funds through selling merchandise and spreading awareness was the focus, something they were able to achieve.

LETR volunteer Kevin Duval, said they couldn’t be more grateful to everyone involved.

“This is the second year it’s been held in Lacombe. It originated in Calgary and it’s been making its way throughout the province and other Boston Pizzas. (There’s been) amazing support from all the managers and staff at this location.”

The amount raised was just about $1,400.

Rieley Kay (left), Jason Burns (middle-back), Constable Jeff Hewitt (right) with Lacombe Special Olympic Athlete and 16-year-old Cobie Matheson during the presentation of a $1510 cheque.

Through their “Burger of the Month” initiative, Cilantro and Chive presented a cheque to Lacombe and District Special Olympics on Saturday in the amount of $1510.

For each burger sold 2 dollars was donated to the organization, supporting the athletes.

Treasurer of Lacombe Special Olympics Salene Matheson said the money is put to good use.

“Helps them with their bowling so they don’t have to pay the large amounts. We also do swimming, we do bocce ball in the summer and baseball. So, when we do tournaments, they don’t have to pay the full price so it really benefits them.”

“A lot of them don’t have a large income and some of them are still living with their parents so it makes a big difference.”

Law Enforcement Torch Run in Lacombe is hugely supported by Constable Jeff Hewitt, who is always front and centre at each of their fundraisers.