It started with a casual conversation and ended in a phone call offer of a brand new, top of the line, wheelchair accessible bus to Mount Cartier Court (MCC). The anonymous donation covered not only the purchase, but also the operating cost of the bus for years to come.
“It’s life changing,” says Kelly Pettus, the manager of Long-term Care Services. “The bus will take six wheelchairs and six ambulatory passengers. Historically, our capabilities for outings have been very limited, now the sky is the limit! We are going mobile and we see all sorts of lunches, picnics, Christmas light tours, fall leave tours, local celebrations and much more in our future.”
MCC is a living facility for those with complex health needs, including seniors with dementia, mobility issues, and those who are unable to continue living at home. There are forty four private rooms. MCC was built in 2006 adjacent to the acute care hospital.
Pettus believes the bus will be a key factor in keeping those living at MCC connected with the community. “A lot of these people helped build this community. Now we can ensure they get to stay a part of it.”
It’s as simple, and as important, as going for a beer and a burger at the Regent or listening to the Street Fest music come summer or sitting with your parent at a Grizzlies game. It is these moments and memories that Pettus hopes to bring to life.
“This community is amazing,” she notes. “It never fails to support you. MCC is a fairly small facility, and we have 100 plus volunteers. We are just so thankful. We would like to thank the Revelstoke & District Health Foundation for accepting the donation on Interior Health’s behalf and partnering with us to manage the funds for long-term enjoyment. We would also like to say a special thank you to Rob Cloke, a devoted son to one of the Revelstokians we care for. Through his networking in the outdoor/ski community, he was able to connect with an organization who anonymously donated the funds.”
Steve Hui, chair for the Revelstoke & District Health Foundation, is thrilled with the gift. “The idea of deciding on whim to go for a ride for a coffee or meal in town will add much quality of life to many of the individuals who reside at Mount Cartier Court. We also look forward to seeing the people who live up at MCC taking in more of the local celebrations and festivities,” he says.
Revelstoke has proven again what kind of community it is – a generous one, geared to helping one another. The excitement and joy of the MCC staff is tangible, and there is no doubt this amazing donation will help change the lives of those who live there.
Rob and Anne as they celebrate the arrival of the bus
MCC Activity workers (who will be driving the bus) and Kelly Pettus – overjoyed that our bus arrived!
Our local District Health Foundation posing for a picture
Picture of happy staff and individuals who reside at MCC
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