Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship
Posted by Brian F. Thompson
Each Rotary Club in the Rotary World was asked to design a special project in order to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International in 2005. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West chose to celebrate this anniversary, plus the Club's 50th anniversary, by creating the "Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship" at Capital Care Grandview.
The Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship is an approximate 1100 square foot addition adjacent to the main entrance of Capital Care Grandview. It includes the "Tuck Shop" where they sell cards, snacks, and crafts made by the residents, a large room with big windows where residents can enjoy a good view of the exterior, a gas-fired fireplace for a cosy feeling on a cool day, and wall displays of resident-created art works. The House of Friendship has been occupied and used by the residents and staff of Grandview since we cut the ribbon on February 23, 2005.
Although the room may first appear to be rather sparsely furnished, that is not the case. When two or three residents are sitting near the windows in their wheelchairs, each accompanied by a family member or volunteer attendant, the space is quickly used up. That is a regular occurrence during the late morning and mid-afternoon.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West and Capital Care Grandview have had a long-term (over 30 years) relationship focused on making life a little better for the residents of this long-term care facility. We have provided funding in the past for a wheelchair van, modifications to the kitchen, a weigh scale, and computers for resident use. Each Tuesday evening, during the mid-September to mid-May period, one of our member Teams visits Grandview to participate in a social / entertainment-oriented event. Our Club provides funding for the hiring of the entertainers, usually musicians, plus our members assist with the moving of the residents to and from their rooms to the auditorium, and with the serving of tea, coffee, juices, and treats.
The residents of Grandview really look forward to these evenings, and many of them very much enjoy and appreciate the Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship. It is a place where they can visit with friends and family in a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful environment.
Although the room may first appear to be rather sparsely furnished, that is not the case. When two or three residents are sitting near the windows in their wheelchairs, each accompanied by a family member or volunteer attendant, the space is quickly used up. That is a regular occurrence during the late morning and mid-afternoon.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West and Capital Care Grandview have had a long-term (over 30 years) relationship focused on making life a little better for the residents of this long-term care facility. We have provided funding in the past for a wheelchair van, modifications to the kitchen, a weigh scale, and computers for resident use. Each Tuesday evening, during the mid-September to mid-May period, one of our member Teams visits Grandview to participate in a social / entertainment-oriented event. Our Club provides funding for the hiring of the entertainers, usually musicians, plus our members assist with the moving of the residents to and from their rooms to the auditorium, and with the serving of tea, coffee, juices, and treats.
The residents of Grandview really look forward to these evenings, and many of them very much enjoy and appreciate the Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship. It is a place where they can visit with friends and family in a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful environment.