Allyson Beauregard
CAMPBELL’S BAY – Over 100 people gathered at the RA Hall, December 31, for an event that not only celebrated the new year, but also raised about $4,000 for the Friends of St. Joseph Manor’s expansion project to build ten additional rooms for residents. The evening included entertainment by the band Ransom as well as a midnight lunch.
Allyson Beauregard
CAMPBELL’S BAY – Over 100 people gathered at the RA Hall, December 31, for an event that not only celebrated the new year, but also raised about $4,000 for the Friends of St. Joseph Manor’s expansion project to build ten additional rooms for residents. The evening included entertainment by the band Ransom as well as a midnight lunch.
The fundraising campaign was launched in June 2018 with the goal of raising $250,000 toward the near $1 million renovation in order to keep rates affordable for residents; $190,142 has been raised to date, and according to Colleen Lariviere, Manor Director, they still plan to break ground in early 2019. Aside from the bedrooms, a chapel, laundry room, hair salon, and administrative office will also be added.
The Manor was built in 1968 by the provincial government and remained a
long-term establishment for the elderly until 1996 when the government closed it. A group of citizens formed the non-profit “Friends of St. Joseph Manor” group, and after much negotiation between the group, the CHSLD, and the government, a 25-year lease was signed for the building at a cost of $1 per year. All repairs were the responsibility of the Friends. When the Friends requested a 25-year extension of the lease and permission to add ten rooms to the building to accommodate demand (there is a waiting list of over 30 people), the government offered to transfer ownership of the building to the Friends for $1. The official transfer took place in April 2018.
Over the last 22 years, the Friends have borrowed over $500,000 for repairs such
as a new roof, to build a sunroom, add two bedrooms, and install a sprinkler system. In addition to providing respite care to caregivers needing a break and for those returning from the hospital, the Manor also offers a frozen and hot meals-on-wheels service.
