The dining room of the Kamsack and District Nursing Home (KDNH) was transformed from its usual utilitarian functionality into a decorated tea room on June 4 when the members of its auxiliary prepared to host a fundraising tea.
As tables were being covered with lace tablecloths and set with elegant china tea cups, colourful, blooming potted plants, destined to become raffle prizes, were placed upon the tables. Plates holding deserts were neatly arranged on trays where they were to be selected and enjoyed by nursing home residents and members of the community who arrived to support this fundraising effort.
Donations were collected, raffle tickets were sold, and down the hallway, in the solarium, a variety of home-baked goodies were being sold.
For Jan Derwores, a new auxiliary member, the event was a learning experience, watching the organizers who smoothly carried out tasks, calmly made decisions and co-ordinated the event with ease that comes from experience.
Twice a year, in June and November, the members of the KDNH auxiliary host a fundraising tea and bake sale at the nursing home.
“The amount of planning and work involved in a fundraising tea is somewhat intimidating; those with experience make it look effortless, even though it really is not,” said Derwores. “Our community is fortunate to have a strong core of willing participants, and more are always needed.”
The funds raised by the auxiliary are put toward a variety of projects. This year the funds raised will be used for the Horizon Project, an outdoor, wheelchair accessible patio, to be constructed on the corner of Stewart Street and East Avenue, adjacent to the nursing home. Construction is set to begin in 2017, and $75,000 must be raised to cover the cost.
Persons interested in joining the auxiliary are asked to contact the activity department. The next meeting of the auxiliary will be held on July 19 to finalize plans for the annual Old Dog Run which will take place on August 6. The money raised by the 10th Annual old Dog Run will go toward helping fund the Horizon Project.
