By Alan Demaline
On a late summer day in September, Antoinette was able to sit on the deck of her cottage surrounded by family and friends overlooking the water in beautiful Cap Bimet, east of Shediac. At 99 years of age, Antoinette has enjoyed this type of gathering countless times over the years. What made this day different, however, was that it required the collaboration of three organizations and their volunteers.
After a lifetime of living in her home in Moncton and cottage in Cap Bimet, Antoinette recently moved to Maison Albert House, a facility of Hospice SENB (Southeastern New Brunswick). This wonderful new facility in Moncton features ten resident rooms, four family rooms, indoor and outdoor public areas, a commercial kitchen, a non-denominational meditation room and medical personnel areas.
On a late summer day in September, Antoinette was able to sit on the deck of her cottage surrounded by family and friends overlooking the water in beautiful Cap Bimet, east of Shediac. At 99 years of age, Antoinette has enjoyed this type of gathering countless times over the years. What made this day different, however, was that it required the collaboration of three organizations and their volunteers.
After a lifetime of living in her home in Moncton and cottage in Cap Bimet, Antoinette recently moved to Maison Albert House, a facility of Hospice SENB (Southeastern New Brunswick). This wonderful new facility in Moncton features ten resident rooms, four family rooms, indoor and outdoor public areas, a commercial kitchen, a non-denominational meditation room and medical personnel areas.
The residents and their families are cared for in a truly home-like atmosphere in the final chapter of their lives thanks to the staff, an incredible team of health care professionals. Volunteers play a large part at the residence and several formed the “Last Wishes” Hospice Committee. Committee members Kristin Shortt and Liette LeBlanc-Brewer connected with Antoinette and set out to make her “Last Wish” happen.
Antoinette’s Last Wish was a daytrip to her cottage. This required a volunteer driver and a mobility van capable of transporting a person who uses a wheel-chair. To find these, the Hospice Committee volunteers looked no further than Urban Rural Rides. Through a network of volunteer drivers, this registered charity provides safe, affordable and reliable transportation to clients throughout SENB. Drives include getting to and from medical appointments and the food bank, as well as to various other services. Urban Rural Rides was honoured to be asked by the Hospice to take part in this very special trip. After a few emails, Annie Beauregard-Choinière, Ride Coordinator for Urban Rural Rides, found that volunteer driver Alan Demaline was available to drive.
But what about a mobility van? Fortunately, Urban Rural Rides has previously partnered with Forest Dale Home in Riverside-Albert to use their van to transport clients who require the use of a wheelchair to medical appointments.
Forest Dale plays a vital role in the community; the staff at the 50-bed facility are second to none in providing quality care within a safe and home-like environment. Forest Dale is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who help in various activities with the wonderful residents. Urban Rural Rides is extremely grateful to Vicki Caissie, Forest Dale's Administrator, for enthusiastically agreeing to supply the mobility van for the day.
But what about a mobility van? Fortunately, Urban Rural Rides has previously partnered with Forest Dale Home in Riverside-Albert to use their van to transport clients who require the use of a wheelchair to medical appointments.
Forest Dale plays a vital role in the community; the staff at the 50-bed facility are second to none in providing quality care within a safe and home-like environment. Forest Dale is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who help in various activities with the wonderful residents. Urban Rural Rides is extremely grateful to Vicki Caissie, Forest Dale's Administrator, for enthusiastically agreeing to supply the mobility van for the day.
With everything in place, the big day arrived with sunny skies and warm temperatures: a perfect day for a trip to the beach! Antoinette enjoyed a leisurely drive to Cap Bimet and upon arrival was greeted with balloons, decorations and the smiling faces of the family and friends she so wanted to spend time with at her cottage. The afternoon passed quickly and words cannot express the joy and love that was felt that day as this family was able to truly enjoy Antoinette’s Last Wish. The sounds of laughter from that afternoon will long echo across the waters of Cap Bimet.
A heartfelt thank-you to the family for trusting Hospice, Urban Rural Rides and Forest Dale Home to make this day come true. Being the driver for the day, I can confidently say that for all the volunteers involved, it was a privilege and honour to be asked and an uplifting experience to be able to help.
Volunteer groups working together really do make dreams come true. There are volunteer opportunities available at all the organizations who participated and if you have a bit of time they would love to hear from you!
Hospice NB: 688-6017, hospicesenb.ca
Urban Rural Rides: 962-3073, urbanruralrides.ca
Forest Dale Home: 882-3001, forestdalehome.ca
A heartfelt thank-you to the family for trusting Hospice, Urban Rural Rides and Forest Dale Home to make this day come true. Being the driver for the day, I can confidently say that for all the volunteers involved, it was a privilege and honour to be asked and an uplifting experience to be able to help.
Volunteer groups working together really do make dreams come true. There are volunteer opportunities available at all the organizations who participated and if you have a bit of time they would love to hear from you!
Hospice NB: 688-6017, hospicesenb.ca
Urban Rural Rides: 962-3073, urbanruralrides.ca
Forest Dale Home: 882-3001, forestdalehome.ca
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