Gerry Robins, Herb Basset resident, sits in front of the home's new van (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Out on the town

New wheels for long-term care residents

Aug 30, 2019 | 2:59 PM

A new gift will see seniors living in long-term care at Victoria Hospital spending a lot more time out on the town.

A van dedicated for use by residents of Herb Basset Home and Pineview Terrace was unveiled today.

Previously, residents wanting to attend events in the community like weddings, funerals or hockey games would have to book transportation weeks in advance.

“I’ve been working here 15 years,” the long-term care homes’ Recreation Coordinator, Jenn McDougall said in a speech at the ribbon cutting. “I’ve witnessed so much heartache and so much disappointment when important moments at the end of life were not fulfilled, special occasions missed, and bucket lists not completed, simply because of the lack of transportation.”

The Victoria Hospital Foundation partnered with the Sun Nurses Union and the Emma Lake Golf course to pay for the van. Darla Ethier, mother of Emma Lake Golf Course owner, Ross Ethier, was a resident of the Herb Basset home. On the vehicle’s sides is a picture of her, sitting in her wheelchair, bundled up for a monthly trip to the rink with kids from Red Wing School.

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“I was very close to Darla,” McDougall said. “Now I’ll have her with me all the time.”

At least one resident already has big plans for the van. Gerry Robins attended the unveiling in a plaid shirt and cowboy hat.

The former farmer and rancher wants to use the vehicle to go see some rodeos.

“I did a lot of horseback riding and a bit of bull riding, but nothing serious,” he told paNOW with a laugh, recalling his past.

Robins, like McDougall is excited about the possibilities the new wheels present.

“We can use it to go any place we want to go,” he said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom