Following the demise of the long-term care home’s van in early September, family members and business people in the Norwood community chipped in for the purchase of a new vehicle. Residents should be back on the road again by Christmas.

Chris Charlebois, life enrichment co-ordinator at the home, says the response has been phenomenal since the call went out to the community.

“Before we could blink, cash and prize donations were rolling in,” she says.

After publishing a notice in its monthly newsletter that the van had broken down, family members began sending in donations. Pleasant Meadow held a silent auction Oct. 29 and solicited contributions from families and the business community. About $1,600 in cash contributions came in and the other $1,500 was raised during the auction. OMNI home office contributed $2,000 towards the purchase of the new vehicle.

“The support and teamwork shown in our home makes everyone feel good,” says Chris.

At a resident council meeting, residents decided to buy a new van instead of fixing the old one. The engine blew on the first van and put it out of commission. Since then, resident outings have been far less frequent than the usual three times a week. Staff members have relied on volunteers to drive the residents around. Instead, residents have occupied their time making crafts and baking for the home’s bazaar on Nov. 15.

The new used van features a hydraulic lift and can accommodate nine passengers and three wheelchairs. It’s on order and is awaiting a paint job and certification.