For Evelyn, who is a resident at Pleasant Meadow Manor, a shopping trip to Cobourg Mall means excitement, fun, and even a little bit of drama. The excursion, which took place in May, was Evelyn’s “wish” drawn from the long-term care home’s wishing well.

“We went from store to store, trying on all kinds of coats. Finally we found one,” says Paula Partington, a health care aide who, along with hairdresser Liz Levesque, accompanied Evelyn on her shopping trip.

“I don’t really get much chance to get out and go shopping, so this was special,” says Evelyn. “I had shopped at Cobourg Mall years ago, and I thought I’d like to go back again.”

Evelyn also purchased a birthday gift for her daughter: a wine-coloured sweater with black and white stripes. “There were so many to choose from. It was fun looking at all the clothes and finding a nice one,” says Evelyn.

The shopping trio topped off the excursion by having lunch at a seafood restaurant in the mall.

“My favourite part of the day was just being out with the girls; you know, girl-talk,” says Evelyn.

The wishing well program was launched at the home last fall. Wishes, which can be made by residents, staff, or others, are written on pieces of paper and tossed into a wooden well. One wish is drawn each month.

Past wishes that have been granted include being a teacher for a day, and coaching the Peterborough Petes hockey team.