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

Ingrid Schultz, Chaplain at Menno Place was interviewed recently on the new radio show, Death Matters Live. This hour-long show on Vancouver Co-op Radio brings the matters of death, dying and loss to life.

Concerned that there wasn’t enough opportunity to talk about death and dying in our culture, the show was the brainchild of Jeffrey Young, Celebrant. He invited four other hosts to join him on the show which has an interview format.

Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Menno Place was one of the four hosts invited to join the hosting team. Although she has never been in a recording studio nor hosted a radio show, she jumped at the opportunity.

“It was exciting to think that I could be a part of the conversation about death and dying. At Menno Place, we know what it is to support residents and families in their final days. We know what is required to support our residents who are experiencing the kinds of existential suffering that can come at end of life.”

On the first show as lead host, Sharon couldn’t think of a better initial guest than Ingrid Schultz, Chaplain at Menno Place. “Ingrid’s capacity to walk along side of others while they are jouneying at the end of life has inspired me to want to do the same”, said Sharon, “I wanted her to share her thoughts with the listening audience.”

“I had recently lost a good friend, Bob Harms, to cancer and spent time at his bedside in Hospice. I wanted to share the experience and the value of support in the final days, hours and minutes of a life. Ingrid and I have talked about “keeping vigil” and I appreciated her insight and experience,” said Sharon.

To listen to the broadcast of the show, Keeping Vigil,