Resident Ruth McLaren prepares treats for Maplewood’s Easter bake sale.
Maplewood residents, community donate to keepsake garden
More than $8,000 raised
Tuesday April 15, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
An Easter bake sale has generated an extra $130 dollars for Maplewood’s future keepsake garden, which is planned to open this June.

Residents baked pies and tarts for the sale, accelerating the homes garden fund to a grand total of $8,330.

Chris Charlebois, life enrichment co-ordinator, says residents and staff continue to work hard on fundraising projects and are looking forward to finally enjoying the garden.

“They are all eager to get out there, especially now that the sun is shining,” says Charlebois, who keeps resident updated on the garden’s progress at resident council meetings.

The home began fundraising for a future garden in September of 2006, with an initial goal of raising $10,000. It was a staff member’s recommendation to start the project, who thought a keepsake garden would be a good way for families and residents to visit, garden and pay tribute to their loved ones.

After installing wheelchair-accessible doors and a brick pathway, Charlebois says the next step is a gazebo and raised garden beds for residents who are in a wheelchair. They are also hoping to create a fountain or pond and have an area set aside for the future project.

The recent progress has spurred new donations from families with relatives in the home who want to contribute. Charlebois says they’ve received a picnic table, a redwood tree and gladioli to add to the garden.

Laughing at her 'pink' thumbs, Charlebois is also pleased with two local horticultural societies in Brighton and Colborne, who have offered their services in the garden.

Shirley Ross, president of the Colborne and District Horticultural Society, says members enjoy working on community projects and felt the home would be a perfect match.

She says the participants are also knowledgeable on water economies and local plant species and are looking forward to contributing to an enjoyable and sustainable environment.

“I think it will work out beautifully,” says Ross who adds the home can call on their services whenever they are needed.

The opening of the garden is planned to coincide with a family barbecue fundraiser this June.

Anyone interested in helping out with the garden, can contact Chris Charlebois at (613) 475-2442.

Has your home received help from the community for a recent project? Stories are often generated by the feedback we receive. Please share your thoughts by calling the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 ext. 24 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.