Back to SearchRENFREW – Bonnechere Manor volunteers rock and their dedication to the residents of the long-term care home was celebrated during a volunteer appreciation garden party recently.
This marked the first large-scale, in-person gathering to honour volunteers since the start of the pandemic. The afternoon event, held in the courtyard at Bonnechere Manor, had a garden party theme, which many in attendance fully embraced with their choice of attire including wide-brimmed hats and fascinators.
There was also a station set up where attendees could write messages on painted rocks, either to be taken home with them or left behind to be placed around the grounds to brighten the day of residents and visitors.
Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson was on hand to bring greetings from County Council and offer her sincere thanks to the Bonnechere Manor volunteers.
“To give of one’s self, the giving of your time, is the greatest gift of all. Along with your time, you are sharing your friendship, your compassion and your skills to make Bonnechere Manor a true welcoming home for the residents, and I want you to know how much we appreciate your efforts,” Warden Robinson said.
Councillor Michael Donohue, chair of the County’s Health Committee, thanked the volunteers for continually adapting and expressed his gratitude for the resilience they demonstrated throughout the pandemic.
“Volunteers add the depth of colour and help to make this a community,” Councillor Donohue said. “I’ve often said it is best to find something you enjoy doing and it isn’t a labour; then you are getting as much as you are giving. Your willingness to support your community is greatly appreciated by the staff and residents of the manor.”
Bonnechere Manor Administrator Dean Quade also recognized the collective efforts of the volunteers and reflected on the challenges of the past couple of years.
“We recognize that COVID changed how volunteers were able to impact the lives of our residents, but we are so proud of how you all managed to stay connected and work to lift the spirits of our residents and front-line staff,” he said. “I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion for your fellow human beings. It is all of you who so generously give your time, your warmth, your humour and your caring, which means so much to the residents at Bonnechere Manor.”
Mike Blackmore, director of long-term care for the County of Renfrew, was thrilled to recognize the exceptional volunteers, many who go over and above to help enrich the lives of residents at the manor.
“Our Bonnechere Manor volunteers wholeheartedly engage their volunteer duties in a manner that has great meaning and positive effect on the lives of the residents of Bonnechere Manor and we thank you for your continued contributions,” Blackmore said.
The garden party featured musical entertainment by Bonnechere Manor staff members Kimberly Thompson, day program assistant and Denver Mullen, recreation programmer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Blackmore - Director of Long-term Care - 613-735-0175
Dean Quade - Administrator, Bonnechere Manor - 613-432-4873
Bonnechere Manor recently hosted a volunteer appreciation garden party to honour the dedicated volunteers at the long-term care home in Renfrew. On hand for the garden party (from left) were Bonnechere Manor Auxiliary volunteer Eleanor Donaldson, Auxiliary President Anne Briscoe, Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson, Health Committee chair Councillor Michael Donohue, Bonnechere Manor Client Programs Supervisor Erin Wilson and Auxiliary Vice-President Nina Gould.
SubscribeContact Us
