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Garden party on May 29 aims to raise money, lift spirits

Arrowsmith Health Care Foundation Society to host event at Arrowsmith Lodge and Cokely Manor in Parksville

There’s nothing quite like an outdoor garden party to generate a blooming good time, especially when it’s for a great cause.

On May 29 there is an Al Fresco affair taking place on the beautiful property that houses Arrowsmith Lodge and Cokely Manor in Parksville.

Members of the Arrowsmith Health Care Foundation Society have planned their first ever garden party to raise money that will go towards lifting the spirits of their residents.

On Friday, the grounds at the seniors care facility will be dressed up for 150 guests who will enjoy a gourmet barbecue and live entertainment. There will also be a cash bar in the gazebo, a dog agility demo and tours of the two facilities. Silent auction tables with numerous items will be on the patio at Cokely Manor where people can bid on high-quality items and activities including a sight seeing flight over the area.

For the past 44 years Arrowsmith Health Care Society, a not-for-profit organization, has provided residential complex care, assisted living, and adult day program services to the community.

Arrowsmith Lodge is a 75-bed long term care facility while Cokely Manor is 30-suite residence offering assisted living.

Located in a park-like setting that features fruit trees and beautiful gardens, the site is the perfect setting for a garden party according to Administrator Deanna Smith.

She said their foundation continues to seek ways to enhance the lives of residents and clients with lifestyle items and services that are not offered through the limited annual government funding.

Currently, there is more than $50,000 worth of equipment on their needs list and Smith said they are optimistic they can reach their goal.

“The foundation board of directors has decided to go big and hopes to raise at least $30,000 at their gala event.”

Smith said the board has done a lot of work organizing such a big charity event.

“We are all very excited about the garden party. Our board consists of nine people and they have taken this challenge of trying to raise some money for the foundation to the highest level.”

She pointed out that money that is gained by the foundation goes directly back to the residents and they rely upon the financial support of individuals and organizations to support things like specialty care and therapy equipment, activity and social programs and equipment and resident and day care transportation.

“We are not for profit. We are funded to a certain level, but when it comes to somebody who wants to visit a family member, if they have been in an accident and they need assistance the foundation steps in.”

She said the foundation supports daily programs that enrich the lives of their residents seven days a week and on special occasions.

“Every resident as well as adult day program participants get a Christmas gift each year.  Christmas can be either a fun time or a sad time for a resident depending on what the families are up to so we have Santa visit every year and he gives each person a present,” she said.

A project the foundation is currently working on includes renovating the residents bathing area.

“Bathtub rooms tend to be very institutional.  In order to soften the experience we have refurbished one tub room.  There are vintage pictures on the wall and things from the right time era so people are calmed and soothed and it changes the whole experience.  The foundation takes care of things like that.”

Tickets for the garden party are $100 per person of $175 for two.  They can be purchased by calling 250-248-4331 ext. 301 or visit  www.arrowsmithlodge.ca.

The event goes from 4-8 p.m. rain or shine at 266 A/B Moilliet Street in Parksville.