“It’s my pleasure to develop and offer multi-dimensional programs for our residents. My gratification comes from seeing how happy our residents are,” says Campbell River’s Pat Palmer, active living manager at Berwick by the Sea. “They’re thriving and knowing what we do has contributed to their happiness is just so rewarding for myself and my team.”
Keeping a calendar full of engaging activities for such a large and diverse group is no small feat. Every month, residents find new activities and programs to choose from, along with long-standing favourites such as bingo, blackjack, creative writing and book club.
“I put a lot of passion into building our calendar and newsletter,” Pat says. “Having the right people to entertain, motivate and educate our residents is key to ensuring our activities and programs create a meaningful, enjoyable and healthy experience.”
Coming up in February, residents are eagerly anticipating many fresh and exciting programs including Paint and Sip, a shuffleboard competition, special Chinese New Years themed events and a clothing swap.
Just like our book swap in January, residents are looking forward to our first ever Berwick by the Sea clothing swap! This fun and social event gives residents the opportunity to pass along items that they are finished with while at the same time, refreshing their wardrobes without spending a penny!
Organizing these programs and activities is one of the most important aspects of Pat’s job, as she strives to ensure every event, activity and program offers as much as possible for participating residents.
“Ultimately, my main goal is to keep our residents healthy, happy, active and as independent as possible for as long as possible,” Pat says. “Our job is to fuel their minds, bodies and hearts through engaging and meaningful activities, events and programs.”
Pat also organizes Berwick by the Sea’s various fundraising initiatives, including November’s Christmas Craft and Bake Sale and their ‘Cookies in a jar’ fundraiser – kitchen staff prepped the dry ingredients for holiday cookie recipes and residents hand-decorated the labels of the jars.
This year, between both fundraisers, the Berwick community donated a total of $6236.75 to an appreciative Campbell River Food Bank .
“The hours of crafting and selling the items in your in-house market is heartwarming, and that Berwick picked the Food Bank as your non-profit of choice, Sandra Rushton our Assistant Manager and Dana Amado our Warehouse Lead left feeling that they had just had the biggest hug from all your residents and staff,” says Joanne Watson from the Campbell River Food Bank.
The food bank helps anyone experiencing food insecurity in the area, currently giving out over 3,000 hampers each month. The food bank is not government funded, instead operating fully on community donations and grants. Its team also helps seven other agencies and schools with food hampers, hygiene items, feminine products and occasional household items.
“From our staff and 47 food bank volunteers, a huge thank you to all of you at Berwick by the Sea,” Watson says.
Looking for a community that puts residents and their Island home first? Learn more about Berwick Retirement communities online at berwickretirement.com or book a tour with Loren today at Berwick by the Sea in Campbell River.
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