Ivy Meadows Continuing Care Community Friends of Ivy Meadows Residence Society passes Assessable bus on to Northwood

Being able to travel around is essential to many in longterm care and provides a way to socialize outside of the home and have fun. In 1993, Scotia Homes (Now Ivy Meadows Continuing Care Community) recognized they needed transportation for their residents and purchased a station wagon. A few years later they bought a second-hand assessable bus that eventually was deemed not-road-worthy, and it was decided they would need to purchase a new bus for a cost of $83,000. The Friends of Ivy Meadows Residence Society stepped up to the plate to raise the funds and to maintain the bus once it was purchased. The Society consisted of about 14 hardworking, passionate women who were determined to fundraise the money needed and purchase the residents at Ivy Meadows a new bus. The society raised money through monthly fundraisers including Mother’s Day Tea, Valentine’s, Easter events such as Rock A Thon, Garden Parties, Baked Good sales and the biggest draw, the annual Penny Auction. The society had donations from families and in memory of family members, who were residents. They also qualified for a one-time grant of $12,000 from the Municipal Government. With the support of the community, the society raised the funds needed in a short three

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Continued from page 10 years and purchased the bus for Ivy Meadows in 2011. “It was a job… a career but done out of love and we would do it again,” said Marilyn MacDonald, Member of Friends of Ivy Meadows Residence Society.

The Society continues to support the residents at Ivy Meadows to pay for maintaining the bus, and providing recreational items including Christmas gifts, music festivals, bingo prizes and more. As Northwood prepares to manage Ivy Meadows Continuing Care Community it was decided to pass the bus along as well to help Northwood residents get out and about when Ivy Meadows is not in need of the bus. The community support seen rallying around Ivy Meadows to help the Society purchase the bus is unmatched and greatly appreciated.

Community Recreation & Wellness