When the Clearbrook Mennonite Church on Peardonville Road in Abbotsford, BC came to the realization that they would need to close their doors, they began to pray for ways that their remaining funds could benefit charities that were close to their hearts. This was difficult after 62 years of vibrant ministry in the Clearbrook area of Abbotsford, BC.

One of the practical questions that needed resolution was how to disperse the remaining funds of the church. A long-time member of Clearbrook Mennonite Church immediately had a suggestion. Her husband spent some time as a resident at Menno Place when he was ailing at the end of his life. It was there that this church member became aware of the need for good condition wheelchairs for the residents and recommended a sizeable donation to Menno Place to purchase brand new basic wheelchairs for residents in need.

With the donation from Clearbrook Mennonite Church, Menno Place was able to purchase 5 wheelchairs with specialized cushions and tension-adjustable backs. When an elderly senior is no longer mobile, the occupational therapist assesses their mobility needs and may recommend a wheelchair for the individual. Historically, the cost of a wheelchair is not covered by most care facilities.

On January 1, 2016, all residential care facilities in BC will be required to provide a basic wheelchair to residents who are prescribed one as a medically required piece of mobility equipment. At this time the Ministry of Health is in discussions about how this will be funded.

At Menno Place, we are grateful for the donations from the community that provide us with the capacity to better serve our elderly and frail residents. Thank you to Clearbrook Mennonite Church for considering the practical needs of seniors and making this significant contribution!

We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at our Family & Friends group meeting on Thursday, December 17 from 1:30-2:30 in Menno Home Chapel. We will have 2 guest presenters: Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement and Joanne Sweeney, Volunteer Manager for Menno Place. We would also like to invite your loved one for this special Christmas meeting to enjoy a time of sharing and refreshment together.

Family & Friends provides an opportunity for two-way communication with the care facility, but also is a forum to share experiences, learn and exchange information. Sharing with others can be supportive and encouraging.

We value your input, so if you have suggestions for a guest presenter either from the facility or in the community, please let us know. Learning about dementia, caregiver stress, depression, legal issues, etc helps us all.

Best Wishes,

Dan Janzen (Social Worker) and Ruth Neufeld (Social Services)

The Annual Memorial Service for families and friends of deceased at Menno Hospital and The Apartments takes place Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30pm at the Menno Hospital Chapel.

Note: Menno Home holds their Annual Memorial Service in December – date TBA

National Seniors Day was great fun at Menno Place on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Seniors living in Menno Apartments were invited to participate in a professional-quality photoshoot. Receptionists and the Recreation team booked seniors into time slots throughout the day to have their hair and makeup done – and to pose for professional portraits as well as silly photobooth pictures.

“I had an idea to do something a little different,” said Rylee Yurick, Recreation staff at The Apartments, “I just didn’t know it would grow to be THIS big!”

More than 75 seniors took part in the energy-filled day, many hearing about it from their friends and joining in throughout the day. The furniture was removed from the first floor lounge in Terrace East and the lounge was transformed into make-up, hair and photo stations.

Special thanks goes to the volunteers who gave their time to do the make-up and hair for our seniors.

• Makeup was provided by two makeup specialists from Shopper’s Drug Mart in Seven Oaks Shopping Centre.
• Makeup and hair provided by six students and one instructor from Gentebella Beauty Academy.
• Photo Booth by Alison Priebe and Heather Spenst (Menno Place staff).

“This is really emotional for me”, said one of the hairdressing students from Gentebella Beauty Academy, “I feel like we are giving such joy and helping people who are living history. I am so moved by these seniors.”

The students at the Gentebella Beauty Academy were accompanied by their instructor. She shared how they had recently completed a book that focused on the power of kindness between each other. “What a perfect opportunity for the students to practice what they are learning about the power of kindess”, she said, “This opportunity came at the perfect time in their schooling. Can we do it every year?”

Shopper’s Drug Mart also sent two of their valued employees to volunteer for a day with seniors – what is the motivation? One of the volunteer makeup artists explained how she had recently lost her grandmother. They were very close and she was determined to give out of her love and remembrance of her grandmother. When the opportunity arose, she jumped at it.

“This day is so moving”, she shared, “Everyone is having so much fun and it’s so incredibly special that we can play a part in it.”

Some of the seniors were shy about wearing makeup. One senior in her 90’s confessed that she’s never had any makeup on her face, “I want to try it before I die”, she said. Others were fearful that they would be done up “to look like a clown”. Instead, the professional makeup specialists chose colors and shades that brought out the beautiful features in the senior’s faces.

Even the men got involved! They waited their turn and chose some of the props for the photo booth. Wigs, hats, fascinators, ties and picture frames created fun-filled photos for the seniors. All of the participants will receive printed photos and the digital files of their photos.

As is the practice at Menno Place, couples were supported in their participation. Several spouses walked over to residential care to fetch their loved one for the photos. They enjoyed an adventure with their loved one that will be accompanied by a memorable photo. “The photo shoot was fun,” said a husband who supports his wife who suffers from dementia, “Thanks for all you are willing to do for us oldsters – it’s just wonderful.”

The Finance Team at Menno Place came to see what was happening. “Wow! This is what it’s all about”, said a member of the team, “This is what we do it for…. the residents, it’s all for the residents.” It was deeply moving to see the joy, the pride, the laughter and the appreciation from the residents.

The volunteers from Gentebella Beauty Academy and Shopper’s Drug Mart were encouraged to guess the ages of the seniors for whom they were doing makeup and hair. When asked about one senior in particular, the hairstylist guessed she was 86. She is actually 105 – the oldest resident living at Menno Place.

“What’s the secret to your beautiful skin?”, was overheard at the makeup station. “I’m a little bit English” was the reply!

“The day couldn’t have gone any better”, said Rylee Yurick, the organizer, “I’m just so so happy that we could give this to our seniors today.”

She followed up the day with a thank-you note to the volunteers and staff, “Thank you so much to everyone who helped put on our first National Seniors Day Photo Shoot!… to see this small vision come to life and see the residents beam with confidence. I cannot thank you enough.”