There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.”  This could easily be reversed to read “The Heart is where the home is”  in the case of the family of Joan and Jack Donald, their son John and his wife Joan, their daughter Kathy and her husband Peter Lacey.

The family members recently contributed $30,000 toward the refurbishment of the Benalto train station in its new role as a community museum and recreation centre. In 1971 Jack and Joan bought the abandoned CPR station and via an arduous trek had it hauled to the east bank of the Red Deer River near the C&E Trail.  They soon converted the old station into a lovely cozy home where they enjoyed time with their family during the summer months.

After a decade Jack and Joan decided to build a permanent home on their land by the river and the station was sold and re-located to an area near the Burnt Lake Industrial Park on the western edge of Red Deer.  There the station was able to continue its role as a family home for another 32 years.

In late 2012 the station was no longer needed as a residence and was offered back to the citizens of Benalto.  In April of 2013 Benalto Station came full circle back to its roots. Sylvan Lake News did a nice story on this at the time.  Over the last four years the station has slowly undergone its transition from family home to its future role as a museum, gathering place and recreation centre.  A committee is working hard to raise the funds needed to complete the project.

All through the years, the Donald Family has been involved with the legacy of Benalto Station.  Thanks to their insight in originally saving the building and giving it new life they are once again instilling their devotion to the community with their generous gift.

They have followed their home back to its origin.  For the Donald’s it can truly be said:  The Heart is where the Home is.  

For more information about the Benalto Station, contact Benalto Booster Club, Angie Schickerowski, Secretary, 403-348-3731 [email protected] Dave More 403-746-3429 [email protected].