There are many reasons to look forward to HavenGroup’s annual spring fundraiser on March 27th – from delicious food, to great entertainment, to heart rending moments presented on-screen.
“We will have a mouthwatering selection of appetizers and desserts for you to enjoy while you listen to the soul-stirring sounds of singer-songwriter and pianist Mike Janzen,” shares CEO Tannis Nickel. “We’ll also be featuring a video of our tenants and residents to showcase their thoughts on life at Rest Haven and our other housing entities, and why your support of HavenGroup is so important to them.”
She explains that HavenGroup Foundation works to raise funds to support all of their care homes and facilities, so this fundraiser is in support of several facilities.
“Rest Haven Personal Care Home is our newly expanded PCH with 24-hour care, where we’re almost at 143 residents, so that is very exciting,” Nickel says. “At Cedarwood Supportive Housing, we have home care and meals provided. Parkview Apartments is independent living. And then we have Woodhaven Life Lease Apartments right next to Rest Haven.”
She adds that HavenGroup’s next exciting project is Greenwood Meadows, so she hopes this fundraiser will also help with that project.
“Every donation counts! And all of it is used to enhance the lives of our residents and tenants,” Nickel says. “The personal care home is always in need of additional décor and artwork. And in our housing sector, even though the facilities are very well maintained, there are often things that are quite dated – so it’s time to do a few facelifts in some facilities and brighten them up.”
Nickel says the biggest need that HavenGroup is facing right now, is mobility equipment to help transfer residents at the personal care home.
“It helps not only our residents, but also our staff – providing a safe work environment for them.”
She note that other needs include resident activity equipment at the small home models of Rest Haven.
“We’re a new and innovative facility with the small home model, and initially we didn’t know how many activities and how much artwork would be needed. But now that we’re nearly full, we’re finding out what else we need in that facility. The artwork is helpful for our volunteers because it becomes a good talking point for them when visiting our residents.”
While the event on March 27 is a fundraising event, Nickel says it’s also a highlight for HavenGroup because it’s a time for the community to gather.
She adds that there are other ways to support HavenGroup – by simply visiting residents and sharing words of encouragement.
“We have around 140 residents – so we could have 140 visitors in a day and it wouldn’t be too many. Stopping in, visiting, praying with residents – spending time encouraging them is a wonderful way to give back.”
Right now, Rest Haven is also seeking LPNs who share HavenGroups mission to provide resident-focused care in an environment of purpose, comfort, and hope.
“We need people with those shared aspirations and a strong faith to serve in our facility.”
Nickel says the spring fundraiser is not your only opportunity to give to HavenGroup.
“We will accept a cheque any time of the year and we appreciate every donation that we receive because we know that it’s going to help us care for the people who need it most.”
The HavenGroup Foundation spring fundraiser will be happening on Thursday, March 27th, 7pm at Friedensfeld Community Centre. To reserve your tickets or to donate, you can send an email to hginfo@havengroup.ca or call 204-326-2206 ext. 7385.