‘They are cared about and they are loved,’ says Marion Tucker
In each neighbourhood of every Village, recreation team members spend much of their time planning events and activities they hope will appeal to a broad range of residents. The calendars are full with trivia nights, baking sessions, exercise classes, and, of course, the odd happy hour.
A little time cuddling with cats at the
London Animal Care Centre.
At the Village of Glendale Crossing, residents and team members also try to create meaningful opportunities to venture outside the village to try something different, something new or enhance the community beyond the Village walls. One of the community partners that consistently benefits from a connection with Glendale Crossing is the London Animal Care Centre. Two years ago, the Village raised funds through a plant sale to support the animal shelter and residents began spending time there, offering simple companionship to the animals awaiting adoption. The connection remains strong today and for the past six months, small groups of residents from each Glendale neighbourhood have been visiting the shelter for some one-on-one time with the animals there.
Recreation team member Jessica Stanic has helped lead this initiative for the past year and says it’s a wonderful way for residents to access a spirit of generosity from within that doesn’t always get to shine when a person moves into a long-term care environment.
“It’s a nice chance to volunteer, to contribute as part of the Village,” Jessica says. “That meaningful interaction and knowing they’re making a difference, they can actually see it. You walk in and see all the cats and you know they want some love and attention and by the end of it they’re all pretty happy. There’s a real sense of contribution.”
Of course, the residents also find great enjoyment in their time at the shelter because beloved pets from the past often hold a special place in their hearts; to hold a cat in need of love or to stroke a lonely dog behind the ear is to honour those earlier friendships.
Marion Tucker was one of the first residents to help out at the shelter two years ago and she’s as excited today as she was then to be part of the support. “I love it,” Marion says. “I like the interaction with the animals.”
She tells the story of her last pet, Gillian, a black and white beauty with green eyes who never failed to comfort her when she needed it. Saying goodbye was hard, so getting a chance to feel the love of other animals fills a bit of the void.
“They need us to come and let them know that they are cared about and they are loved,” Marion says of the animals at the shelter. Fellow resident Arlene Allerston agrees, and says she’s happy the village team arranges the visits.
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