MAKING A PLACE AT THE TABLE

AMITY MASONIC LODGE #32 DONATES $1K TO CAUSE

Some of the residents at Maple Grove Place in Dunnville aren't able to sit at the dining room table with their neighbours. A new fundraising initiative for the not-for-profit assisted living facility is aiming to change that.

"We are raising money to purchase multi-level tables and chairs that are accessible for all of our clients," said Kim Hutchings, program co-ordinator.

She explained that while tables and chairs come in fairly standard heights, clients do not; if someone is very short or tall, or they use an assistive device like a wheelchair, they can't comfortably — or sometimes at all — sit at the tables currently in the dining room.

Some of the residents — specifically those in wheelchairs that are higher — have to use bedside tables right now, because the height of those tables can be adjusted.

However, that means, "(the residents) have to sit secluded from other people," Hutchings said.

Shari-Lee Srigley, executive director of fundraising and development for Thrive Group — which Maple Grove Place is a part of — noted mealtimes are about much more than just nourishment for the body; there's also a socialization aspect that is "so critical ... it's so necessary," to residents' overall health and well-being.

Similar to hospitals, while the provincial government pays for the ongoing operations of not-forprofit assisted living facilities, funds for things like capital expenses, equipment and programming

have to come through donations and grants.

The plan is to purchase six multi-level tables and 21 multi-level chairs for Maple Grove Place, at a cost of $25,000.

Hutchings recently put a call out to the community, asking for financial contributions and support for upcoming fundraisers to raise the money for this purchase.

About $2,800 had come in through several fundraisers and donations from local groups; then on March 16, another boost came in from Amity Masonic

Lodge #32, in the form of a cheque for $1,000.

John Chapman, secretary for the group, said he'd seen Hutchings' appeal letter, and brought the idea of making a donation to his fellow members.

"We had a vote to support their worthy cause," he said.

Hutchings said they were very grateful for the support.

If any other individuals or groups in the community would like to offer their support, they can call 289377-9594 or email khutchings@thrivegroup.ca.