Dementia Care Home Fundraises for Residents

By Ben Carter

November 20th, 2023

Since 2017, Nanaimo’s Eden Gardens has provided its residents care for dementia, but as a non-profit facility they rely on donations from mid-island residents for extra improvements to the grounds.

Audrey West, a volunteer, has hosted Eden Gardens’ annual fundraiser in October for nearly a decade, which raises on average $3000 annually.

West said, “This amazing event grew from $300 raised to over $3,100 in 9 years. Of course, this only happens with the generosity of my friends and neighbours to help put the event together each year and give heartfelt donations. The disease touches so many people; I know that’s one of the reasons my event is such a success.” 

West wanted to do something for Alzheimer and dementia patients more locally and hopes others in the area will too. “After five years of donating to Alzheimer’s Society, I decided to change to Eden Gardens so the money would stay local and I would have more input [regarding] how the money was used. I also recognized that Eden Gardens had programs for their dementia residents that I believed in, such as recreation and physical activity, and art, music, and horticultural therapy,” West said.

Over the last couple of years proceeds have gone toward purchasing an “outdoor gazebo that provides much needed shade for outdoor activities and paving the pathway meant all residents could enjoy the forest, flowers, birds, and natural décor,” says West. West says this past October’s efforts focused on “a bench [that] was needed for residents and helpers to rest along the pathway.”

Nanaimo resident Marcelle Betz, a member of the Nanaimo choir SoundWave since 2015, is proud to have been involved with the fundraiser as a choir member “since the beginning!” She says, “It’s so rewarding to see residents’ faces light up when the music starts and most often they know the words to the songs.”

Betz said, “Holly Wright, a gifted musician, created the SoundWave choir back in 2015. At the start we were 25 members. The cap is now 80 and there’s an ongoing waitlist. The choir sings rock and pop songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.  There are no auditions; you just have to enjoy singing!” 

Betz adds that “in 2016 the proceeds of our concert were used to purchase iPods and headphones. Choir members then visited residents and helped them listen to music. In subsequent years the proceeds of our concerts have been directed to Eden Gardens programming that benefits the residents.” 

Betz says for those who want to contribute, time is another way to give. “Volunteers are an integral part of Eden Gardens. They can help residents with planned programs, work in the bistro/gift shop, walk with residents, have one-on-one visits, and help with the gardening and special events.” 

To learn more about how you can contribute today, visit Eden Gardens  or stop by 1917 Northfield Road to talk to their volunteer and fundraising coordinators.