A-tisket, a-tasket. Would you be interested in a basket?
Ann Boucher, along with her son’s girlfriend Leesa, have launched a fundraising campaign to help raise money for a new accessible bus for Sunset Manor in Collingwood. The duo are selling tickets for seven gift baskets, which will be raffled off on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Leesa is a personal support worker at Sunset Manor, and brought the idea to Boucher.
“Her grandmother just passed, and my mom and grandfather also (lived) at Sunset Manor. We thought we could do this fundraiser in (their) memory. It tugged on my heartstrings,” said Boucher.
Boucher says she has fond memories of her grandfather enjoying trips using the bus prior to his passing.
“It’s on its last legs,” said Boucher, noting that each bus costs about $150,000.
While she says she doesn’t expect to raise the full amount needed through the fundraiser, every little bit helps and it’s a cause that’s dear to her heart.
The seven baskets are currently displayed in the lobby of Sunset Manor. Tickets cost one for $5 or three for $10, and can be purchased in the lobby between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. this week. Boucher will be at the home on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. selling tickets as well.
At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, the draw will commence.
Many of the items in the baskets were donated by local business owners. The themes include a baking basket, a handy person basket, a Himalayan basket, a Crave chocolates basket, a game night basket, a relax and read basket and a pamper me basket.
“I’d like to thank the businesses and individuals who have made donations of product or money for the fundraiser,” said Boucher.
The Give-A-Lift Fundraising Campaign launched in early 2019 to support each of the County of Simcoe's four long-term care homes – including Sunset Manor in Collingwood – in purchasing new accessible buses to keep residents and clients connected to their communities, support programming and allow residents to participate in events, activities and outings.
“Many of the nearly 540 seniors who reside within our four long-term care homes rely on our accessible buses to stay connected to their communities," said County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell. “During the pandemic, these buses have been a lifeline to the world outside our long-term care homes, allowing residents to safely enjoy our beautiful region. With the help of our generous donors, we've been able to purchase one accessible bus and have three to go as we look to replace the aging fleet at our four long-term care homes.”
On average, the county schedules 32 outings a month, equalling more than 3,800 riders annually.
The county has held a number of events in support of the program, including the 2019 Warden’s Ski Day and the 2019 and 2021 Warden’s Golf Tournaments, as well as smaller plant sales, hockey nights and holiday markets.
