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PWL Stettler celebrates Canada Day in a big way

July 7th, 2017

The Canada 150 birthday celebration at Points West Living Stettler was so eventful, it was spread out over two days. Special visitors, fun food and events, lots of red and white props and decorations, and even a ‘flash mob’ rendition of Oh Canada, made the days full and fun. 

'$320' for a Canada Bear

It started off the evening Thursday June 29 with a surreal auction. The auctioneer was the real deal, but the items on the block were a bit of fluff (stuffed animals, chocolate bars, potato chips and the like), and the money changing hands came from a Monopoly set. Residents were each given bills for bidding, and one of the more animated contests – over a Canada Bear – fetched the heady sum of $320.

All Canada

The next day was all Canada. Almost everyone was dressed in red and white, the dining room was decked out in Canadian flags and banners, and residents had a huge assortment of wearable Canadian flag gear to choose from.

General Manager Carol Dyck, along with several care partners brought their good will to each of the cottages to ensure residents there had a personal invitation to the special event about to take place in the main dining room.

Rubbing shoulders with the red serge

Following the luncheon, residents had a chance to meet and have photos taken with former Stettler RCMP staff sergeant Fred von Krogh in full red serge. Joining him were special guests RCMP officer sergeant Phil Penny; Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Ray (currently PWL Stettler’s maintenance man); and cadet Alec, daughter of LPN Care Partner Gabby.

Oh! Canada!

Once everyone was gathered, recreation coordinator, Jenn Dixon began to sing Oh Canada all by herself. She was joined on the second line by another singer, then another on the next line. And on it went until the whole dining room was full of people rising to their feet if they were able and singing Oh Canada. It was PWL Stettler’s own ‘flash mob’ a seemingly random act of individuals coming together to support one voice and creating a powerful collective voice. This one was organized by LPN educator Joan Morrison, and was very effective.

“The smiles on the resident’s faces said it all,” observes Carol. “Many of the residents who could, stood for Oh Canada and saluted the officers as well as singing along. The respect in the room was very evident.”

Beaver cupcakes

In addition to decorating and helping with the luncheon and Canada Day cupcakes, kitchen care partner Toni made up a batch of beaver cupcakes. These whimsical creations were given to the visiting service people to share with their colleagues and families. “I talked to Sgt Perry the next day,” says Carol, “and he said that they were a big hit at the detachment.”

Photo: All decked out and living in a great country, (from left) Lionel Berard, Anne Grisswell, Eileen Tschritter, Elaine Porisky, Jenny Gordon, Marie Brenchley, Norma Stewart, Leona Erickson celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday at PWL Stettler.

More photos at Flickr: PWL Stettler celebrates Canada Day in a big way