The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation and the Auxiliary of the Fraser Canyon Hospital and Fraser Hope Lodge are raising funds to go toward a bus replacement for the Adult Treatment program at Fraser Hope Lodge and only require $12,000 to reach their goal, out of a total of $100,000.
The bus is a lifeline for clients, that would otherwise not have the opportunity, or the same accessibility to go on outings for personal or therapeutic reasons.
“The impact is profound, and I see it in the faces and spirits of the residents that go each week — they are filled with anticipation before they go, and when they come back they are flushed with excitement over what they saw, ate, heard, experienced — they just come back so energized, and with stories to tell, and I hear their laughter and voices as they go by my office,” said Sylta Hellner.
The Adult Day Program operates Monday to Friday and supports older adults in their desire to remain in the community. The services they provide include health and personal care, as well as therapeutic activities.
“We are very excited to be working with the auxiliary on raising the funds for this much needed bus that will be used for the ADP at Fraser Canyon Lodge,” said Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation Executive Director, Liz Harris.
The state of the art bus will always have one care aide or LPN available while patients are on it, or Activity Staff that are trained in first aid. Clients will be picked up at the start of the day and returned home when the program ends at 2:30 p.m.
During their time in the program, clients have access to nursing services (which includes baths,) mobility exercises, social interaction, a lunch and two snacks.
“The Fraser Hope Lodge residents have the opportunity to participate in offsite events that enable them to stay connected to the community. These activities are organized through the Fraser Hope Lodge activities team on a regular basis. Having a bus that meets the unique needs of the residents including wheelchair access, enables them to be involved and enjoy these interactive experiences,” said Corina Vogt Manager Clinical Services.
Fraser Hope Lodge residents will be able to utilize the bus to go out on day trips while community clients are at the Lodge for the day program. The Hope Auxiliary and Hospital staff were successful in March having raised a total of $10,000 in funds through a fashion show.
“Do I enjoy the bus outings? You bet your boots I do! It gets me outta here, and on the road — I love being on the road, just the driving itself. I used to do a lot of driving, but then I had to give it up,” said Fraser Hope Lodge Resident Nick Yadernuk.
“I just love the sensation of being on the road, the bump of the wheels under me, and all the beauty of the world out the windows — we live in such a beautiful place, don’t you think?”
