Christie Gardens experiences $12,000 groundswell of support for Haiti
OLTCA president commends long-term care for stepping up in a variety of ways
Friday January 22, 2010 -- Camille Jensen
The community at Christie Gardens is responding to the crisis in Haiti with a groundswell of support.

The Toronto residence, which includes retirement and long-term care, has raised more than $12,000 towards Haitian relief efforts.

Grace Sweatman, Christie Gardens CEO, says she was more than impressed by the outpouring of contributions made by people living at the home.

“I was really blown away,” says Sweatman. “I am serving a group of seniors who really are committed to giving back and at a very high level of stewardship and concern for others.”

Sweatman says the initiative to take up fundraising came from three residents who approached her Jan. 20, the same day Haiti experienced a 6.1 aftershock.

The aftershock follows the devastating 7.0 quake Jan. 12 that killed tens of thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands wounded and homeless.

The residents had asked if the home would act as the facilitator if anyone was interested in donating money to the cause and provided the names of the charities they’d like to see the money sent to.

Sweatman says the home has filled this role before, collecting funds for the crisis of the Asian tsunami in 2004, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

That evening, the home tucked a letter under each resident's door directing people who would like to contribute to leave cheques with the home.

By the following morning Sweatman says they reached the $10,500 mark.

“Without any fanfare there was an immediate response,” she recalls. “One after another, residents were coming down with cheques.”

By the end of the day, the number had grown to more than $12,000.

“It’s just amazing,” says Sweatman, who adds staff members have also been contributing to the cause.

Christie Gardens will be sending off the donation today to the Canadian Red Cross, World Vision and Plan Canada.

Sweatman, who is also president of the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), says what’s happening at Christie Gardens is evidence of a larger movement happening across long-term care. She says she’s proud of the variety of ways long-term care is stepping up to the plate and assisting others in their time of need.

“Once again OLTCA members have the opportunity to confirm their active participation in the community and caring for others,” she says.

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