March 23, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – On March 21, 2012 representatives of the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) presented a cheque for $5000 to long-term restaurant worker Teresa Acosta. Teresa is the latest individual to benefit from the BCHF’s commitment to provide financial support to hospitality industry members who face financial difficulty as the result of a serious health crisis.
Teresa worked for McDonald’s for 20 years before being diagnosed with breast cancer. She lives in a cramped basement suite with her two young children, Maricel and Arnold. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but will be unable to work for at least a year. The money she received from the BCHF will assist Teresa and her family with living expenses during this time. Teresa expressed her deep gratitude to the BCHF in a letter, saying she was “overwhelmed” by the Foundation’s support. The BCHF’s Alan Sacks notes that “seeing Teresa and her family and the appreciation they showed for our support confirms once again that the Foundation is doing great work.”
Chriss Coletta, BCHF Treasurer is pictured above presenting a cheque to Teresa and her family.