By Anita Flowers
SPECIAL TO THE CASKET
The Lights of Love fundraiser for the RK MacDonald Nursing home capped off it’s 22nd annual fundraiser with a special ceremony.
Although the final tally has not yet been counted for the recent event, at press time, organizers already consider it a success.
“We had a great response as usual. We will have donations coming in throughout December so we won’t have the final count until the end of the year. In general, we count on receiving about $33,000 and we expect to at least match that this year,” said Florence MacDonald, co-chairwoman of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation.
The ceremony was also a celebration of the nursing home and the fundraising campaign. “During our ceremony, we have two local church choirs and lots of community participation. It’s really a celebration time for us all,” said MacDonald.
This year, the proceeds from the campaign will go to an initiative to enhance the residents’ dining experience. The project includes purchasing specially-designed carts for food delivery to the facility’s dining areas, providing each area with additional required equipment and refitting the R.K.’s dining, common and residential areas to create a more home-like atmosphere. “When you have a lot of meals that are prepared, and then carried to other parts of the facility, the meals don’t stay warm. We’re fundraising for units that will keep meals hot in transition to the residents’ rooms and other areas. We’re also making the areas feel more like a home – with a good hot meal and not an institutional feel,” said MacDonald.
It’s not too late to make a donation. Individuals can purchase a light on the R. K. MacDonald Christmas tree or simply make a donation to the campaign. Tax receipts are available upon request, and cards can be sent to individuals in whose name you have made a donation. Contributions can also be made in memory of loved ones who have passed. Online donations can be made through Canada Helps on the website https://www.rkmacdonald.ca/foundation/.
Previously, the Lights of Love campaign provided funding for projects such as a dementia-friendly healing and sensory garden, a four-season sunroom and green house, an onsite dental office, light therapy lamps, and specialized chairs.
“The dementia garden has turned out to be a wonderful place for residents and visitors alike. Everyone enjoys it,” said MacDonald.
