A landscaping project to add more perennial gardens and complete a pathway around Bethany CollegeSide for its long-term care residents will be shelved if $47,000 is not raised as soon as possible.
Jennifer Harbour, senior development officer with Bethany Care Foundation, said the project received a $47,000 Community Facility Enhancement Project grant from the province late last year that needs to be matched through community fundraising by November or the foundation has to return the grant.
She said it’s been difficult raising funds so far.
“I know the economy is tough right now. There’s a lot of great causes in Red Deer right now that we’re competing against,” Harbour said on Thursday.
Bethany must also have the project constructed before the end of the year.
“We have the quotes. We have the companies all lined up. But we’re looking for support. That support can be in-kind donations of supplies, materials, time and labour, and monetary as well.”
This is the third landscaping phase at the facility and includes developing connecting pathways to fully connect the garden path systems already in place for easier access for residents with mobility issues; enhancements to the courtyard garden area on the young adult wing; and a second-story outdoor patio for residents with limited mobility.
A garden space for young adults, a wandering garden attached to the secure dementia unit, a raised garden bed area for residents to garden, and pathways to access the gardens were previously constructed.
Bethany CollegeSide currently has 111 long-term care residents who include 56 dementia residents, 27 young adults with disabilities, and 28 other residents.
Harbour said many of them require walkers or wheelchairs.
“For a lot of them, their mobility is so limited that getting out for a little walk around the building, that’s all that they have the energy to do.
“They don’t get out much into the community so this is their community here. Whatever is available inside and outside, that’s what they have.”
She said many residents come from the rural area and really enjoy getting outdoors.
Another 102 residents live independently at the site in Bethany CollegeSide Gardens who also use outdoor spaces.
To make a donation contact Harbour at 1-403-210-4611 or e-mail at jennifer.harbour@bethanyseniors.com. Tax receipts are available.
Bethany Care Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds to preserve and enhance the quality of life of Bethany residents.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com