SUBMITTED BY GREENWOODS ELDERCARE
Monday, Sept. 9 saw the much-celebrated draw for the 26th garden bench raffle at Greenwoods, and the prize was won by Elena Smith for her mother Marlene Rista of Southey Point.
Greenwoods staff members Janice Benson and Trish Staicesku drew the lucky name, with executive director Aletha Humphreys, sponsor Robert Steinbach of Country Grocer and Greenwoods Eldercare board members on hand for the ceremony.
The 2024 bench was created by Salt Spring artisan Luke Hart-Weller of Copperwood Gallery, and is crafted from salvaged Gulf Islands cedar, embellished with charred cedar and copper flowers.
The annual fundraising raffle of a handcrafted garden bench to benefit Greenwoods Eldercare has been a tradition on Salt Spring since 1998. These coveted heirlooms now grace many special places around the island as landmarks of our community’s generosity.
Every year, the true winners of the annual garden bench raffle are the residents of Greenwoods and Braehaven, and those who benefit from Greenwoods community programs. This year the popular fundraiser brought in over $5,300 in ticket sales.
Greenwoods Eldercare is a not-for-profit, community-based organization that owns and operates Greenwoods long-term care and Braehaven assisted-living residences. In addition, it offers community programs like Meals on Wheels and an adult day program. Every dollar raised in the annual garden bench raffle goes directly to supporting the needs of the residents and clients that Greenwoods serves.
Under the local governance of a volunteer board of directors, Greenwoods’ operations are carried out by a highly trained staff of professionals in elder care. The organization receives operational grants for Greenwoods from Island Health under an affiliate agreement, as well as funding from BC Housing to help support Braehaven. However, direct fundraising in the community is vitally important to provide the high-quality living space, infrastructure and equipment that make Greenwoods and Braehaven the comfortable, welcoming homes residents deserve.
“The community’s support of Greenwoods is so appreciated,” said Greenwoods Eldercare director Paul Roberts, who organized this year’s event. “Our thanks go to our valued sponsors Country Grocer and Island Savings for their support of ticket sales, Luke Hart-Weller for his craftsmanship, our fundraising volunteers for their time and everyone who bought raffle tickets. You really make a difference.”