Peterborough legion steps up to help St. Joseph’s at Fleming

Money will be used to buy 19 new transfer slings to ease resident movement

Transfer slings can now be purchased for residents at St. Joseph’s at Fleming thanks to a donation by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52.

On Wednesday, legion representatives presented a cheque of $8,716 to St. Joseph’s for the purchase of the new slings.

This is the third year that St. Joseph’s at Fleming has received funding from the legion.

“I can just simply state that being a not-for-profit longterm-care home, these kinds of donations are an incredible gift to us and help our residents in so many ways,” said Carol Rodd, CEO at St. Joseph’s at Fleming.

She noted that they have six veterans residing in their home and that legion members often visit.

“The legion has been an active part of the community here. They come in to visit the residents and they like to bring gifts in for them during holidays throughout the year,” said Todd.

“So, they have a very good relationship with the veterans here and the rest of our residents. They have also been just very kind to us over the years in applying for grants.”

The funds will be used to purchase 19 new slings to better serve the 200 residents living in the home, explained Sarah Cox, senior fundraising and administrative co-ordinator at St. Joseph’s at Fleming.

“We do need to replace the slings on an ongoing basis, because of the wear and tear on them,” she said.

St. Joseph’s at Fleming is also in the midst of a $3.5 million campaign to raise money for capital improvements and new furnishings to ensure residents can enjoy all aspects of their home, read a media release.

“We are in the middle of a capital campaign where we’re raising money ongoing for different nursing equipment and capital items throughout the home,” said Cox.

The campaign started in 2020 and will continue to run until its $3.5 million goal is reached, explained Cox. To date, the campaign has raised just more than $2.4 million, she added.

“We’re going to keep it going until we reach our goal. But even after the campaign, there’s still going to be ongoing needs,” she said. “So, even once we reach that goal, there’s still going to be things that we are fundraising for.”

For more information and to learn about donating to St. Joseph’s at Fleming campaign, visit the website givetosjf.ca.

“We’re part of the community and we just simply say to people ‘give what you can, when you can,’” said Rodd.

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT EXAMINER PHOTOS Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 president Una Golding, left, and secretary Sheila Davidson greet St. Joseph’s at Fleming resident Betty Taylor, 103, after presenting a $8,716.22 cheque to go towards resident transfer slings to assist with ensuring safe transfers for residents.

St. Joseph’s at Fleming Susan Miles, left, and CEO Carol Rodd thank Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 past-president Joel Chandler, president Una Golding and secretary Sheila Davidson who presented a $8,716.22 cheque. The home is in the midst of a $3.5 million fundraising campaign.