It’s the little things that count.
This is the motto of the handful of members that make up the Bethany Family Council, which aims provide the residents of the Bethany Cochrane the comforts of home that are beyond the scope of funds raised by the Bethany Foundation.
Their most recent endeavour includes the front area of the centre – where funds raised by the council went toward creating an entirely reconstructed seating area, complete with more than $10,000 in long-lasting outdoor furniture; handicap access to the seating area; landscaping; a concrete pad; and a new pergola donated by Tim Davidson of Timko Developments.
“All of the money raised by our family council goes directly back into our Cochrane facility,” explained member Pat Graham, whose husband, Gordon, has been a resident in long-term care for five and a half years.
Since starting the council some three years ago, the members have raised more than $70,000 for capital projects, equipment and programs that improve the quality of life for residents.
Graham said the council has had positive feedback from families of residents, who are happy to see their donations stay local; alternatively, funds donated to the Bethany Foundation go toward all long-term care facilities owned and managed by the foundation (six in greater Calgary network).
“What we try to do is recognize areas at the Bethany that won’t be covered by foundation money … over the last three years we’ve really made a difference there,” said council chair, Maureen Vink, whose 101-year-old mother has lived at the centre for eight years.
“All of us on council have or have had a family member in the facility – it’s a great place with great staff,” said Vink.
Funds raised in their first year enable the council to purchase four blanket warmers at a cost of $7,500 each; these are used daily and provide warmth and comfort to the residents.
Other projects and items the council has done include $15,000 in fencing around the 800 wing where the dementia residents live, three wall-sized murals of Alberta landscape, televisions and party tablecloths.
Vink said they are not certain what the next project will be, but they are “really happy” to be finishing their current one so that the residents can take advantage of whatever warm weather remains this season to enjoy their new seating area.
