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Foundation making push to raise money for seniors’ home

A group raising money to replace a wing of their local seniors’ home is making an extra push to reach their goal.
Quill Plains Centennial Lodge
Submitted photo by Google

A group raising money to replace a wing of their local seniors’ home is making an extra push to reach their goal.

The Quill Plains Health Care Foundation is trying to have the east wing of the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, which is 50 years old and has 12 level four long-term care beds, replaced with a new wing with the same amount of beds.

“A new 12-bed wing. Exactly what we have,” said Norma Weber, the foundation’s chair.  “We’re not asking for extra beds, we’re just looking for a wing replacement.”

They are hoping to raise $1.6 million, which is 20 per cent of the cost of a new wing. The provincial government would pay the other 80 per cent of the facility, which is roughly priced at $8 million.

So far, they have around $350,000 in commitments.

“We would like to have it in place as soon as possible because we think we would have a better chance if we can show our commitment to it, so we’re going to try to make sure we have the funds committed,” Weber said.

As well, the longer the project waits, the more expensive it will become.

If the project went ahead, the foundation would like to see the east wing be renovated so the laundry room can be moved from the basement and there could be a expanded tub room.

The foundation has reached out for commitments from communities and RM that have residents at the lodge or have employees working there. They also plan to ask for individual letters of support and organize some larger fundraisers.

Weber said the foundation is also trying to get health minister Jim Reiter, rural health minister Greg Ottenbreit and finance minister Donna Harpauer to come and see the current facility. Todd Goudy, the local MLA, has already toured the facility and cited it as a major issue in his constituency when he won the Saskatchewan Party nomination in January.

“There is some awareness there,” Weber said. “We just need to keep it moving and we need to get a few more people out here to tour our facility and see where we’re at with it. Hopefully they will support us in this project.”