GANDER, NL — Spreading joy by helping those in need comes easily to the Gander Goodwill Centre and the Central Northeast Health Foundation.
Gander Goodwill has donated $20,000 to renovate a room in the dementia ward at Lakeside Homes.
The decision to support this project came to reality after a board meeting and an evaluation of available funds.
According to Goodwill board president and centre manager Denise Whelan, “we were doing really well at that time, and things were getting pretty beat up (at the ward) and we wanted to make it pretty for the patients.”
Most Lakeside Homes residents come from outport communities, according to Whelan. Part of the project was putting up three murals of Newfoundland scenery, in addition to purchasing specialized furniture.
“The total cost of the project was $20,000, and it’s been awesome — the money we’ve been giving away is fantastic,” said Whelan.
Ruth Cheeks, chair of the Central Northeast Health Foundation, echoes the sentiment of helping others.
“It is so rewarding for the patients and the families that come here,” she said.
Other projects Goodwill has partnered in and continues to support are Cobb’s Pond development, Kids Eat Smart Foundation, SPCA, Special Olympics, Broadening Horizons, Janeway telethon, Salvation Army, food bank and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as plans to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s daffodil fundraiser.
The event took place Nov. 21 at Lakeside Homes.