By Denise Bacon
CCRA asked for support for its fundraising campaign for the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care and the community stepped up. During the isolation that people have been experiencing during this pandemic, it was uplifting for everyone involved to focus on such a positive campaign to support our local long-term care home.
CCRA launched the fundraiser on April 28 with a commitment to match donations up to $10,000. The connections that the community has with the Stacey Centre resulted in tremendous generosity for this endeavour. The campaign ended on May 15 and a week later a ceremonial cheque for $22,967 was presented to Melissa Elliott, the Stacey Centre’s executive director.
The cheque represented $10,930 from online donations, $10,000 from the CCRA, $1,675 from cheque/cash donations and $362.15 that was dropped into a firefighter boot during the car parade on May 1. The money will be used to purchase much-needed Point of Care kiosks for electronic record-keeping for residents. These kiosks will replace the current paper-based process of recording information and will be quicker, more accurate and decrease cross-contamination. Importantly, too, the time saved from using these POC kiosks will allow staff to spend more personal and quality time with each resident.
What became clear during the campaign period is the number of people who have been personally touched by the care experienced by their own loved ones who lived at the Stacey Centre at some time. The sentiments attached to many of the donations were heartfelt. Melissa Elliott said, “The staff are here because they’re so committed to these residents and this home and the history here and the veterans in our society.” On a personal level, she added, “I love it here. The staff and the residents are my family.”
CCRA would like to
acknowledge these local businesses for their contributions to the campaign:
Charles G Turner and Associates Ltd., Cherene Francis Inc., Jill’s TEAM, TD
Canada Trust, Port Union Branch, and TD Canada Trust, Morningside Crossing Branch.
Tony Stacey Centre is
more than just bricks and mortar. The heart inside the building pulses with
love, care and joy. On behalf of the community, CCRA extends warm wishes for everyone there to
remain safe from the virus and to continue their journey of caring.