September 3, 2024 – The KBRH Health Foundation is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Garden of Gratitude Project at Columbia View Lodge (CVL). Thanks to the generous support of our community, local businesses, services clubs, and grant fundersthis ambitious project has transformed the outdoor spaces at CVL into a welcoming and vibrant environment for residents, their families, and caregivers.
The project, initiated in 2022, focused on creating safe, accessible, and beautiful garden areas for the 76 long-term care residents who call CVL home. The first two gardens were completed in the summer of 2023 and most recently, the third and final garden reached completion. The new gardens provide a serene space where residents can relax, get some fresh air, connect with nature, and spend quality time with their loved ones.
Project Highlights Include:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Planters: Raised planter boxes and post have been installed, allowing residents to engage in gardening activities comfortably. Some of these planters already feature growing vegetables, contributing to the lively and green atmosphere.
- New Patio Furniture and Awning: The addition of comfortable, sturdy outdoor furniture and a newly installed awnings ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the gardens safely, with shaded and protected areas available for everyone.
- Stunning Wall Art: Bright, colourful and interesting artwork now adorns the garden walls, adding visual interest and uplifting the space with a touch of creativity and charm.
- Enhanced Landscaping: Rock work, freshly planted shrubs, and vibrant flowers bring life and colour to the gardens.
- Upgraded Pathways and Painting: Freshly painted walls and accessible pathways complete the transformation, making the space both modern and functional.
The Garden of Gratitude Project has been a remarkable success, made possible by the dedication of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. This fundraising initiative has truly enriched the lives of Columbia View Lodge residents, giving them an outdoor oasis where they can enjoy fresh air, engage in activities, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Lisa Pasin, Executive Director of the KBRH Health Foundation. “This garden is a testament to what our community can accomplish when we come together for a common goal, and we’re deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in making this vision a reality.”
Although the Garden of Gratitude Project has reached completion, ongoing donations are welcomed to support the upkeep and further enhancement of these beautiful spaces. To learn more or contribute, please visit https://kbrhhealthfoundation.ca/donate
Join the “Friends of Columbia View Lodge Garden of Gratitude” and volunteer your time to help keep these beautiful gardens flourishing. Weeding and deadheading are ongoing tasks that need your care and attention. For more information, please contact Mary at 250-231-0264 or .
Mary and Richard’s Story
“My husband Richard was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s when he was 59 years old. As time progressed, we realized at some point he would likely require more care and need to have 24-hour supervision. We could not have found a better home for his last months than Columbia View Lodge! Richard was cared for with love, patience and kindness by all.
Through our personal journey of care, we realized the garden courtyards for residents’ use have not received the attention they deserve. Alzheimer’s patients can benefit deeply from having access to a safe, tranquil garden space. For people living with Alzheimer’s, gardens can carry gentle reminders of past experiences and jog the memory through scents, visual cues, and participating in the act of gardening! They are also helpful for the caregivers, who greatly benefit from this much deserved place of peace.
All who live, visit and work within this residence should feel pride and have a place to go that is comforting, peaceful and beautiful. To help Columbia View Lodge’s gardens accurately reflect the care, attention, love and commitment that is provided inside, I ask you to become involved with the Columbia View Lodge Garden of Gratitude Project.”
Columbia View Lodge is home to 76 residents who deserve to have the best facility possible for their care. The Garden of Gratitude Project is a $200,000 project that will prioritize restoration of the three garden courtyard areas at Columbia View Lodge in order to ensure they are fully accessible and usable. This project will not only benefit the residents, but also their families, visitors and the dedicated staff who provide care each and every day!
To support this project, contact the Foundation or donate online.
