After 12 years, the bus at St Michael’s Centre was wearing out and was not expected to last much longer. The cost of a new bus was around $100,000.00 and so, with this daunting amount in mind, the Foundation began to fundraise towards this goal. Individuals, associations, businesses and a variety of ‘grass root’ events and initiatives by staff and residents all contributed towards the new bus. It was with great pride that the Foundation was able to realize this dream and to turn over to the Centre the keys to their new vehicle.
Lisa Tahara, the Director of Therapies described the importance of such a bus in the life of a care centre like St. Michael’s in the following words.
“Most of our residents are primarily wheelchair-bound by chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary conditions. For many, the only time they ever leave the facility is on the St. Michael's Centre bus outings. These occur several times per week and help to integrate residents into the community, enabling them to pursue normal activities outside the institutional life of a long term care facility. These often include jaunts to the beach or local parks; shopping trips to the nearby malls; visits to local churches for teas or socials; or trips to the airport to observe the planes. Volunteers are an essential part of these outings as they assist with loading and unloading the bus, escorting residents at the destination, and assisting them while on the bus with snacks or other needs. Family members are frequent participants as well and they enjoy visiting their spouse or parent in another setting.
There is nothing that can replace the smile on a resident's face or a comment they make, as they recognise a neighbourhood as one that they grew up in. Even a confused resident can have moments of insight through the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of riding the bus, that cannot be achieved any other way. Such moments of clarity and recognition can be reflected on and enjoyed for the rest of the day or week by a resident who is otherwise confined to a wheelchair and a room in a facility. Such outings also promote independence and self-esteem, as for example, when residents can buy their own Christmas or birthday presents for friends or family, as they had been doing for decades. Such actions can be very meaningful to those who often can do so little for themselves anymore and help to preserve the dignity of people who have lived long and productive lives in our communities.
The bus outing programs allow for residents to get out into the community and enjoy being among the general public, seeing what is going on in the ‘outside world’ and re-establishing their place among society. It reduces isolation, allows for a feeling of ‘connectedness’ with the larger neighbourhood and returns them to familiar environments. “
The Foundation wishes to thank everyone who donated towards the purchase of the new bus which so enriches the lives of the residents of St. Michael’s Centre.
May 2005
Burnaby Firefighters present a check for the new bus. From left to right: Fire Fighters Mike Main & Mike Tenerelli; Foundation Chair, Anne Toupin; Executive Director, Helene Elias; Director of Therapies, Lisa Tahara and Executive Assistant, Doris Lee.
