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It's been six years already for Abbeyfield PA!
Toni Nelson, who has been a resident at Abbeyfield Port Alberni since it opened in 2002, joined Abbeyfield founder, Terry Whyte, in cutting the Sixth Annivery Cake last Sunday.
Having a place where the elderly can live in a a home-like atmosphere as along as possible, instead of going to an intermediate care facility, is the most important aspect of Abbeyfield.
Abbeyfield Port Alberni had a houseful of residents, family memebers and special guest last Sunday for the Sixth Anniversry celebrations. The special program included a welcome from Gerry Gaudreault, President of the Abbeyfield Residents Society and Clair Blais acknowledge a number of people on behalf of the residents family members.
"We are so fortunate," she said. "We have so many people to thank for what Abbeyfield is today."
Acting Mayor Ike Patterson brought congratulations from the City and the whole community as he recognized the efforts of Terry Whyte and many others for the years of hard work in establishing Abbeyfield Port Alberni. Terry Whyte was then called upon to give a few words. He gave a very comprehensive talk on the origen of Abbeyfield in England in the 1950's and the recalled the history of the struggle to establish that unique concept here.
"I first became aware of Abbeyfield on October 4, 1986, when I read about the first one in Canada being proposed near Victoria," Terry revealed. "A year later, it opened. After a personal visit to St. Andrews Abbeyfield House in Sydney, I was convinced the idea was perfect for Port Alberni." After years of planning and lobbying, the doors opened to Abbeyfield Port Alberni's first residents in August of 2002.
"For a group of dedicated people to stick with the idea of forming an Abbeyfield home for so long is really remarkable," Marlene Dietrich, president of Abbeyfield Port Alberni, told the crowd on hand. "I'm sure that those who worked so hard in the part would really be prouud of this outcome. Six years after opening, we can be thankful also for our wonderful staff members, most of who have been here from the beginning. I am also thankful for the people who give their time and energy volunteering in so many ways to make this home a vital and interesting place."
Following the comments and special presentations, the cake was cut and the the socializing took over. The special occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Aug 28, '08. This article appeared in the Port Alberni's "Pennyworth" weekly newspaper
