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Chartwell front-line staff
members and residents raise more than $2,700 to help Haiti
Staff point to organization’s values and field of work
as reasons why home rallied for cause
Friday February 19, 2010 -- Jennifer Higgs
For personal support worker Lola Stephenson, fundraising to help
people in Haiti is connected both to the type of work she does and
having a personal experience of needing help after a disaster.
“I remember once that happened to me when I was back home
(in Jamaica), the river came up and washed us out and the Salvation
Army helped us with bedding and stuff like that,” she says.
“I find the need to help other people.”
Stephenson is one of many staff members at Trilogy Long Term Care
Residence in Scarborough who got involved in efforts to raise money
for Haiti earthquake relief efforts.
“I think one of the reasons why we are here is because we
do care, we love nursing, we care for other people also,”
says Stephenson, who is a member of the home’s social committee.
Through several fundraising efforts and donations the home raised
more than $2,750.
Administrator Marva Griffiths says the support has been “unbelievable.”
“It just started at one thing by one staff member saying ‘let’s
do this,’” she tells the Morning Report.
“I believe the earthquake itself just impacted everyone, and
the very next morning people were rallying around talking about
it and (asking) what can we do,” she says. “I believe
that comes from a feeling of wanting to give back to the community.”
As a Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT home, Griffiths says there is
a lot of talk about values such as commitment, respect and trust,
which is driven in the home.
“I think that also has an impact on why they felt that we
should be doing this and giving back to the community,” she
says.
Receptionist Julie Corris also cites Chartwell’s values —
including empathy and compassion — as a reason why staff rallied
around the cause.
“Being in this type of field, being in long-term care, any
kind of care field you just have that inside you to help out,”
says Corris.
The home’s initiatives started when a front-line staff member
suggested they have a container for people to bring in donated items.
Griffiths and the environmental manager found an old, big garbage
can and cleaned, sterilized and lined it, adding a sign asking for
help.
The bin, which asked for perishable items, clothing and toiletries,
was emptied several times with more than 300 pounds of donations
collected.
Staff became interested and wanted to contribute more, says Griffiths.
Another front-line staff member came up with the idea to host a
breakfast for the staff for $5 a plate. The organizers brought in
the food, which was served at 7 a.m. to capture the daytime staff
and night staff coming off their shift. The event raised $200.
Stemming from the breakfast, managers wanted to get involved, and
hosted a brunch for visitors and families, which raised $300.
The administrative staff decided to run a weekend bake sale. Family
members, staff members and volunteers contributed baked goods, and
through word-of-mouth a couple gift baskets were donated. The Feb.
6 and 7 sale netted $80.
A community partner came to the home and dropped off 65 planted
tulips, which the home sold for $5 each.
The home’s residents’ council donated $500.
Trilogy is one of several Ontario Long Term Care Association members
that have rallied to fundraise for Haiti. Click here
to read a feature highlighting the sector’s contributions.
If you have feedback on this article please contact jennifer(at)axiomnews.ca,
or call the newsroom at 800-294-0051.
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