Powell River Community Foundation (PRCF) has provided nearly $11,000 for two special wheelchairs, and a mattress system to help keep bed-bound qathet region residents at Willingdon Creek Village (WCV) more comfortable.
According to Marg Hodgins, after her son Michael had his third stroke in September 2018 and became totally dependent for all his needs, it became quickly obvious that support for the extras was lacking. She and her husband Dave decided to do what they could to help improve life for adults with aphasia, or mobility deficiencies, as a result of an acquired brain injury.
“We established a fund within PRCF with the intent that interest accrued could then go toward grant applications for equipment or resources to aid those in need as a group rather than to specific individuals,” said Marg. “While our fund does not have a large amount of interest yet available for grants, PRCF was able to grant this generous amount for wheelchairs by accessing other available monies.”
Marg said that since WCV cannot directly apply for grants, Seniors Citizen Association Branch 49 was willing to apply and then work collaboratively with WCV for the purchase of the two Broda wheelchairs.
“This fits well into the motto of seniors helping seniors,” added Marg. “With Vancouver Coastal Health topping up the funds, it was also possible for a SelectAir Max mattress system with foot pillow to be purchased to help keep bed-bound residents more comfortable.”
According to Alston Miller, Powell River Community Foundation president, the organization provided $10,749 towards the purchase of the WCV items. PRCF provided $35,299 in total grants in 2021. The other recipients were Powell River Therapeutic Riding, PRISMA, Miklat Recovery Society, Friends of Film Society of Powell River, BC SPCA-Powell River, the Salvation Army and Powell River Seniors’ Society.
Miller said the Hodgins had started the aphasia fund, so they get to direct where they want the money to go, and they chose the wheelchairs and mattress as one of their projects.
“We provided additional funds to purchase the wheelchairs and worked with Willingdon Creek Village to get additional funds to help pay for the mattress as well,” said Miller. “This is the first grant of its type.”
Miller said in providing the money, there were some challenges.
“Getting everybody on board was easy but going through the proper channels to make Canada Revenue Agency happy and things like that, we had to do everything between the lines,” said Miller.
Seniors come through
That’s where Senior Citizens Association Branch 49 came in. Ron Woznow, president of the association, said the Hodgins are both on the board, and when they presented the proposal, “it was just a no-brainer.”
“Any time we can help another organization in the community, we’re there,” said Woznow. “When we saw something that could help people be active, we thought it was great.”
Marg said the wheelchairs will be used for people who have limited mobility. She said they provide head, shoulder and leg support for those who are basically immobile.
“They will be able to get out into the dining area, into the lounge, or participate in more activities, rather than spending as much time in their rooms, or in a chair that is not as supportive or comfortable,” added Marg.
She said the wheelchairs could also be used to take residents with mobility challenges out into the community, so it’s an amazing addition to Willingdon Creek Village.
“Two chairs will make a big difference in this facility,” said Marg. “They have people waiting to use them. There’s a lot of people who don’t have the resources to access this type of item, which is a luxury for a lot of people.”
Miller said PRCF is a local foundation created by and for City of Powell River and qathet Regional District residents.
“Since 2000, we have been able to help individuals and groups make an ongoing difference in their community,” said Miller. “Essentially, the role of the foundation is to help manage the collection of charitable gifts donated by local residents. Those gifts are held in perpetuity and invested to produce income which will enhance the quality of life for many in need who live in their community.
“PRCF is a public charity registered with Revenue Canada and allows individuals, small businesses, large corporations and nonprofit organizations, through gifts and bequests, to establish a permanent endowment for their community.”
PRCF has an annual granting cycle where applications are accepted each year. This year, applications will be accepted from June 1 until September 16. Charitable organizations in need of funds can download the current grant application package at prcommunityfoundation.com, and/or by emailing [email protected].
