Successful bazaar total home effort: Turney
Thursday, November 24, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Although many OMNI homes are readying themselves in anticipation of the Christmas programming blitz, Kentwood Park has just celebrated its biggest special activity: the annual bazaar.

“It’s definitely one of our most important events of the year,” says Jill Turney, Kentwood Park’s life enrichment co-ordinator. Two months of preparations, involving residents, families and volunteers, went into the Nov. 19th bazaar, which featured numerous items – baked goods, clothing, and crafts – for sale at the Picton long-term care home.

It’s also one of the home’s more fruitful fundraising opportunities, this year netting $584 through the sale, which also included a white elephant table, dessert room arranged by nutritional care manager Erin Fraser (where bazaar participants could enter for $2 and gorge on all-you-can eat treats), and an in-home raffle sponsored by OMNI suppliers.

Off-duty staff – especially the health care aides - spent “like crazy” to support the bazaar, jokes Jill.

Twenty-two residents attended the bazaar, along with a smattering of family (a slightly disappointing showing, says Jill) and staff.

Bazaar proceeds will go to the residents' council, which has turned its attention to replacing a derelict piano in the home’s lounge that is far beyond tuning.

The home is also generating funds for this venture through the production of the Kentwood calendar, recently designed by local calendar maker Robert Hogan.

Residents produced a batch of chili sauce that “went over very well,” says Jill. An environmental services staffer produced a delectable tray of peanut butter balls.

Along with Robert ’s calendars, volunteer efforts shone at the bazaar, says Jill. Shirley Kay, a regular, important volunteer contributor at Kentwood Park, participated in the preparatory baking sessions as well as craft construction. She also runs the home’s pet therapy program. A staff member knit scarves.

“They were just beautiful,” says Jill.

Next to the bazaar, another popular event is the annual Christmas party, hosted by the local Elk’s Lodge and set this year for Dec. 7. This night of revelry features desserts, entertainment and dancing and is looked upon with much excitement by the residents, says Jill