An effort to update the suites in The Manor at Gardens on Tenth in Altona is well underway.
Board Chair, John Falk, says two apartments have already been made fully accessible, and renovations are happening in three others.
He noted, the people who've moved into the completed suites, built in 1973, are really enjoying the updates.
"It's much brighter. They've got a little more space to move with less walls in the area, the doorways are better and there's great showers. You can just walk right in, there's no ledge, which is great for people with any kind of mobility problems. It's great for all seniors."
Additional features include raised toilets, updated cabinets and induction cook tops for safety, as well as new lighting and flooring.
Once work is complete on the suites in The Manor, crews will move on to The Units, another apartment complex within the Gardens campus built in 1965.
Ultimatley, the plan, noted Falk, is that Gardens on Tenth will eventually be able to expand its Pathways Services program, a self and family managed home care option for residents, to these buildings.
So far, close to $300,000 has been raised for the effort. The Board accepted a $20,000 donation from Friesens Corporation on Wednesday.
"It's nice to have Friesens come on board with the donation," said Falk.
Cameron Fay, Vice President of Friesens Yearbook, said the donation is part of the company's overall community support.
"Supporting an initiative like this is important to make sure we have a strong, thriving community that helps seniors and others," said Faye.
Another $200,000 is needed to complete the project. Donations can be made at the front desk of the Gardens office, or cheques marked for the renovations can be mailed to the organization.
