Christmas Fundraiser Warms West Lake Terrace
Tuesday, December 5, 2006 -- Jennifer Lester
West Lake Terrace hosted its first ever Christmas Tea and Bazaar last Saturday. About 20 friends and family members came out to enjoy the good food and many attractions
of the fundraiser.

Life Enrichment Aid Marnie Klein says relatives were the main audience for the event, which raised $679 to be split between the residents' council and the home's palliative care unit.

Marnie says they plan to eventually add a suite next to the palliative care room as a
comfortable accommodation for relatives.

Personal Support Worker Pat Pendleton dressed up in black attire for the event. She
greeted visitors at the front door and sold tickets for refreshments.

Inside what was normally the dining room, visitors would find several tables or
"stations", as Marnie called them. She explained one table was for tea, coffee and
refreshments, one had crafts for sale and another was a white elephant table, featuring
items for sale donated by staff.

"The bake sale table is doing the best today," says Marnie, holding in each hand plates
of baked goods she'd bought. Residents baked the cookies, crisps and bars for sale.

Another section of the dining room had several tables featuring a silent auction of items donated by local businesses and family members, including handmade quilts and gift
baskets.

Olive Fobert was one of the residents whose family came to visit. Her daughter, Sharrie
Wright, did her mom's hair for the occasion.
"My mom's happy," Sharrie says from her spot at a table set for four.

Across from her sat Olive, and on either side, Sharrie's sisters, Patricia Myhill and Sue Maybee.

"I've had more fun today than anybody," Olive insists, with a broad smile. "It's been a wonderful day."