Get ready for a heartwarming evening of food, fun, and community support. Salem Home’s much-loved BBQ Fundraiser is back on Wednesday May 28th, and you’re invited to gather for a cause that truly hits close to home. Hosted by the dedicated Ladies Auxiliary, this annual event raises funds to enhance Salem Park, a beautiful green space that gives residents a breath of fresh air, a spot to connect with loved ones, and a peaceful place to simply be. From the famous baked beans to burgers, this BBQ promises comfort food with a purpose—every plate helps make Salem feel even more like home.
A decade of dedication
Grace Toews, a long-time member of the Salem Ladies Auxiliary, is marking her 10th year of service — a journey that began when her mother became a resident at Salem Home.
"I started when my mom came to Salem," says Toews. “It is actually wonderful because we do things for the residents. We raise money for the residents to make things a little more home-feeling — things that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for our fundraising.”
Toews’s commitment to the cause remains strong a decade later, with her in-laws soon joining the Salem community.
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Meaningful support for staff and residents
Salem Home CEO Karin Oliveira shares how vital the auxiliary is to the daily operations and the well-being of Salem Home residents.
“For the staff, obviously it helps because of what they are able to purchase with the fundraising — it helps the staff to do their job better,” Oliveira explains. “But I think it ultimately is always for the residents... giving the residents this home-like feeling that they are not displaced, that they belong to something — that’s important to us.”
BBQ fundraiser on May 28th
Toews and Oliveira are inviting the community to a lively outdoor BBQ fundraiser on May 28th, held right outside Salem Home.
According to Oliveira, holding the event on-site is intentional — it allows residents and families to take part in the festivities and connect with the broader community.
“We like to do it [the BBQ] at Salem in the parking lot because it brings the community to Salem and that has been the goal — to bring the two together,” she says. “If we had done it anywhere else, then the residents can’t attend.”
With the newly developed Salem Park adjacent to the BBQ setup, the venue offers a picturesque and inclusive setting for the event.
The event will include a barbecue, live music by "The Cracked Eggshell" - a classic rock and country cover band from Steinbach, and a silent auction with themed prize packages including a BBQ gift pack and a kid’s candy-and-movie-night bundle.
“We have some really good prizes,” Toews says with a smile, “Candy isn’t just for kids… I’m still a kid at heart.”
Proceeds supporting Salem Park development
Funds raised from the BBQ will go toward Salem Park, a revitalized green space designed for residents, families, and the community.
“It probably will go to finish paying off for the concrete — that’s the most expensive part of Salem Park,” says Oliveira. “We already were able, with the Crokinole tournament in the winter — to purchase the benches… We also already purchased a fountain and some flower planters, but there’s always a few more things we need to do.”
Toews expressed her excitement about the park’s potential, particularly for her flower-loving mother-in-law.
“My mother-in-law has been a very big flower person… she loves gardening, always used to have many flowers,” she shares. “So I think she will really enjoy that.”
Creating a welcoming outdoor experience
The BBQ offers a chance for residents, staff, families, and the community to come together, enjoy good food, and support a project that enriches lives at Salem Home.
“It’s kind of the point of this whole thing,” Oliveira says. “We’re building something beautiful, together.”
The Salem Home BBQ fundraiser takes place Wednesday, May 28th, in the Salem Home parking lot. Freewill donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going toward continued improvements to the park.