WILKIE — The retirement years are supposed to be a relaxing time for those who worked hard over the years. However, residents of the Bethany Assisted Living facility in Wilkie are rolling up their sleeves once more to help make their home a lot more comfortable.
The building, originally built in 1959, has been experiencing problems with part of the roof, rendering one of the rooms unusable. Under the leadership of a new administrator, residents have come together to help fix the leaking roof and get the room ready for a new neighbour.
One fundraiser they are organizing is a raffle, with two handmade blankets as the top prizes. Both blankets were made by Bethany residents, who were happy to donate them to the fundraiser.
The fundraiser will continue over the summer, with the draw set for Oct. 10. Anyone interested in entering the draw can do so at the Innovation Credit Union or the CIBC branches in Wilkie. Donations can be made in any amount, but donations over $25 are eligible for an income tax receipt.
Although there have been a few generous donations from the Wilkie & District Health Foundation and a couple of bequests from past residents, more funds are needed to cover the $175,000 repair.
“The facility is home to 25 residents and is a very important part of the community,” said resident Kathy Heilman.
The building was originally the hospital in Wilkie, with seven semi-private, five private room and two rooms with four beds. It also had a functioning operating room, lab, x-ray and maternity wing. The hospital was closed in 1992 by the then New Democratic Party government.
For more information on making a donation to the fundraiser, contact the facility at 306-843-2234.
