BARRHEAD-The Barrhead Continuing Care Centre's dining room has seen better days. However, the facility hopes to be able to do something about it with the help of the public.
The Centre, which is also known as the W.R. Keir Care Centre, is an extended-care seniors facility, operated by Alberta Health Services, that offers 24-hour care for seniors who are not able to live in their own home or an assisted-living residence.
This year the centre is holding its first-ever "Feels Like Home" fundraiser. It is patterned after the Tree of Hope fundraisers organized every holiday season by hospitals.
The Barrhead Healthcare Centre, which usually holds an annual Tree of Hope fundraiser, to purchase medical equipment they otherwise would not be able to buy.
"I think we are all very cognizant of people's finances during COVID and that is why the Healthcare Centre graciously decided to press pause on their fundraiser," said senior's health manager Jenny Nanninga.
She said having the proceeds of its inaugural holiday season fundraiser go towards refreshing the dining room was an easy decision.
"The dining room is such an essential feature in our facility," Nanninga said. "It serves as a hub. It is not used just for dining. It is our social centre. It is used for birthday parties and other get-togethers when we have people in to entertain it happens in the dining room. It is a project that will benefit every resident."
The update will include the purchase of chairs and other décor to help brighten the space.
A $10.00 donation will be represented by a star, $20.00 by a stocking, $50.00 by a lantern and $100.00 by a wreath. All donations received will be recognized by a Christmas themed decoration displayed on the large fireplace in the dining room as well as through the Town and Country This Week. The campaign will run until Jan. 15 2021.
"The generosity of the local community is well known to our facility. We hope that this new initiative will be well received and we look forward to your support," Nanninga said.
Due to the pandemic, people are asked not to drop their donations in person but rather mail them to 5336-59 Avenue, Barrhead, T7N 1L2. Cheques should be made out to Alberta Health Services — Barrhead Continuing Care Centre — Feels Like Home.
For more information contact Nanninga at 780-674-4506 or e-mail [email protected]
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
