Friends Of Colonel Belcher

On a recent visit to Carewest Colonel Belcher, Board Member Barry Ashton asked resident, Joe Larkin, what he liked best about living there. Joe replied "I love everything about being here. I have never had it so good."

Joe has been living at Colonel Belcher for three and a half years now. And, thanks to support from donors like you, he has a wonderful quality of life.

While bound to a wheelchair due to a leg amputation, there are still many activities that Joe participates in. Twice a month he goes on an outing to Spruce Meadows for show jumping, Cochrane for ice cream or lunch at a local legion. He participates in exercise class, plays bingo with friends and enjoys music therapy. 

The highlight of Joe's week is working in the wood shop. So far, he has made a table and book shelf for his room and he is currently building a wine rack. It will be a Christmas present for his son-in-law who is a real wine lover.

Participating in activities helps get Joe out of his room and interact with other residents, who are also veterans and have the same memories of war. This provides him with sense of belonging and comfort.

Recreation activities are so important for all of the 175 residents living at Colonel Belcher. They provide social interaction, mental stimulation and greater independence. The increased social interaction helps prevent feelings of depression, isolation and loneliness.

But such programs would not be offered without your generosity. We rely on the community to continue supporting these important programs.

Last year, donations to Friends of Colonel Belcher helped to enhance furnishings, provide audio visual upgrades, purchase new TVs and enhance meal service with the addition of dishwashers and plate warmers in the resident dining room. This year, we need your help to provide quality of life activities for residents. Residents like Joe who, at the age of 93, is having the time of his life. 

Please take a moment to remember the many sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country and make a donation today. Your gift will help residents live their lives to the fullest.