Submitted
Residents of an assisted living facility in Wilkie will be enjoying meals together in comfort thanks to the support of the Bayer Fund. Bethany Assisted Living has received a grant of $2,500 through the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities (CFGC) program to help purchase a set of dining furniture designed specifically for seniors.
The Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program is aimed at strengthening rural communities by equipping local non-profit organizations with funds to carry out much needed community work. The aim is for farmers to help improve the lives of many people living in rural communities. Local area farmer Jeff Hyland nominated Bethany Assisted Living in honour of his late father.
“It’s important to me because it was important to my dad,” said Hyland. “Dad knew that Bethany was an integral part of our community and up until his potato operations ceased, he regularly donated potatoes to them.”
The funds received went towards replacing the worn-out dining room furniture with new furnishing sets — custom made for health care facilities. Although everyone living at the Bethany can feed themselves, some have limited mobility and/or weakened muscles, that can make it significantly more challenging. The new chairs are much lighter and make it easier for residents to seat themselves independently. Additionally, the new tables are much higher than previous ones, so residents do not have to strain to continue enjoying their meals.
“Our previous furniture was actually falling apart. It was close to becoming a real danger for our residents,” explained Lynn Christianson, Bethany Administrator. “Now, the dining room looks beautiful with the new tables and chairs.”
Both Hyland and Christianson were surprised and excited to find out that the Bethany was selected to receive the grant. And for Christianson, it was a little extra emotional experience as she didn’t know they were nominated.
“We’re a small community and a small organization. To know that someone out there cared enough to nominate us was amazing. We rely on donations and while they don’t always come in when you need them, this one sure did,” she said. “I was on top of the world when I received the e-mail. I showed everyone—and immediately called Jeff to thank him.”
Trish Jordan, senior business partner with Bayer CropScience and manager of the CFGC program said that the company is proud to support community initiatives.
“Rural communities are the backbone of Bayer Crop Science and the backbone of Canada,” said Jordan. “We want to thank Jeff for nominating Bethany Assisted Living and hope the new dining room is enjoyed by residents in the years to come.
The Bayer Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bayer, has funded the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program to provide a total of 66 grants, each valued at $2,500, to charitable and not-for-profit groups nominated by farmers.
