There are some big bathtubs ready to get filled in Burnaby, thanks to community support of the "tub room" fundraising campaign.
St. Michael's Centre celebrated the completion of an extensive bathroom renovation project on July 17, made possible by fundraising done by the Tapestry Foundation for Health Care. About 100 family members, staff, friends and donors turned out to commemorate the event.
"We're very grateful to the Burnaby community for generously responding to our first fundraising project at St. Michael's Centre," said Ann Adams, Tapestry's CEO. "We know that the centre holds many fond memories for Burnaby families whose loved ones were cared for in this facility, and we have been deeply encouraged by their continued support." The foundation's campaign started last December to raise funds for renovations and upgrades to three bathing rooms that had deteriorated after 20 years of extensive use. The tubs were outdated, some no longer functioning, which limited the residents' access to baths.
Through initial funding from Fraser Health, and donations from Burnaby businesses, individuals and service groups, the foundation completed funding for two of the tub rooms.
"The community really came together in Burnaby to support this campaign and our staff," said Blake Armstrong, St. Michael's senior operations leader.
Armstrong said a former resident's family came out and contributed $25,000 for the tub campaign because their mother had said she wanted to leave something behind for St. Michael's after receiving hospice care.
"It kick started the whole thing," Armstrong said about the Burnaby family's donation. "It was a real focus, a rally point for everyone to come together and begin, and from that, we raised money through various sources, getting
donations here and there that made this possible."
Armstrong said the foundation is short $15,000 to renovate the third tub room.
"Right now, completing these three bathing areas is very tough," he said. "Next on the list, is being able to provide Tapestry with a wish list ... one being a family kitchen dining area, which we have right now - but it's 30 years old and in need of complete renovation. It's an opportunity for families to come in, cook dinner (and) lunch with residents."
St. Michael's Centre provides residential care services to 128 residents and also operates a 16-bed hospice.
Providence Health Care entered into a partnership with the centre to provide operational leadership for its residential care and hospice services in 2012.
Since August, the Tapestry Foundation included St. Michael's with seven other Providence-operated facilities to support.
For more information, visit www.providencehealth care.org.
