Salem Home is bringing the community together with a Crokinole tournament, and CEO Karin Oliveira is excited about the buzz surrounding the event.
"We want to invite the community to come. Over 30 teams are registered, so chances are you know someone who’s playing. Just come and cheer on the teams or check it out," Oliveira says.
The tournament, organized by the Ladies Auxiliary, will take place in the Heritage Room, a space Oliveira describes as the heart of Salem Home. Spectators can also enjoy snacks available for donation, and a handmade quilt created by residents will be featured.
Intergenerational connections through games
Beyond the tournament, Salem Home has been fostering intergenerational relationships by welcoming Grade 6 students from Emerado School to play games with residents.
"They play Crokinole, other games, or just visit, read together, and spend time with residents," Oliveira explains. "It’s so nice to see that engagement."
She emphasizes the importance of these interactions, noting how residents enjoy watching the children’s energy.
"It’s literally like a grandma watching their grandkids or great-grandkids," she says. "It brings them joy and energy."
Encouraging community involvement
Oliveira highlights the need for more community involvement, stating that seniors in care homes often feel disconnected.
"Often the idea is, ‘Well, now someone is at Salem, we don’t need to interact with them anymore.’ But they can’t go out as much anymore, and we want the community to come in so residents don’t feel abandoned," she says.
She encourages people to stop by, have a coffee with a resident, or even join in a game of Skip-Bo, which is already available at Salem Home.
Fundraising for Salem Park
While the tournament is a fun event, it also serves as a fundraiser for the development of Salem Park, an outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
"We are fundraising to purchase benches for the park," Oliveira explains. "The first step is pouring the concrete path in the spring. Trees are already there, but this is a project that can grow over time."
She notes that the park will feature memory trees, outdoor art, and flower beds, all of which can be sponsored as legacy gifts.
"It’s a good opportunity for people to donate in memory of a loved one. If someone wants a plaque on a bench, we’ll do that too," she adds.
Looking ahead: BBQ event in May
With spring around the corner, Salem Home is already preparing for its annual BBQ event, set for late May.
"It’s a supper event in our parking lot, with music, entertainment, and a great family atmosphere," Oliveira says. "It’s always a wonderful time for the community to come together."