Ashley Georgison, events coordinator and administrator to the general manager at Mount Polley Mining Cooperation, has a soft spot for seniors.
She said her grandparents, when they were alive, were in a care home not unlike Williams Lake Seniors Village, and she believes visitors, volunteers and recreation programs can be important to the quality of life of residents.
“I’ve seen it first hand,” she said, noting she and her coworker Emily Thomas, mine operations clerk, are planning to spend their Fridays helping out at the facility.
The two have already been helping residents decorate their doors as part of a facility-wide decorating contest.
on Dec. 15, both were also at the facility to continue on this work as well as to hand over a cheque from Mount Polley staff and suppliers for $6,000 to help boost the seniors’ spirits over the holidays and into the new year.
The funds will go towards residents comfort and funds to help provide payments for outings, treats and various toiletries not supplied by the home. Family members supply many basic toiletry items for residents normally, so for those without family in the area, these are extra costs.
Vickie Kornelsen, recreation manager for the facility, said the staff of nine in the recreation department work to help meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of residents.
“I think it’ll make a big difference, not just at Christmas,” she said of the donation.
Both Thomas and Georgison said they plan to visit the Seniors Village on Christmas and Kornelson is happy to have them helping out.
“We’re always happy to have extra hands around,” Kornelson said.
“We know we can’t rewrite our history,” said Georgison, referring to the massive spill from Mount Polley Mine’s tailings facility into Hazeltine Creek and Quesnel Lake on Aug. 4, 2014 which continues to impact the area.
However, Georgison said Mount Polley wants to be a positive, driving force in the community, not only in “trickle-down economics” but also by supporting community and charitable events.
She said the funds were raised through a hot chocolate sale on the site, where employees could buy hot chocolate to support the cause and suppliers also pitched in to bid on a virtual cup of hot chocolate.
READ MORE: Seniors giving to seniors through Williams Lake hamper program
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