From: Canadian Cancer Society
British Columbia and Yukon

Dear Eileen (Marketing Director at Cedarbrooke Chateau - Mission BC)

On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division, I would like to thank you for your sponsorship of the wonderful luncheon for the Canadian Cancer Society Fraser Valley Regional Leadership meeting held on March 17th, 2009 - and a tour of your fine retirement community.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community based organization of volunteers. In BC and Yukon alone, 20,000 dedicated volunteers fundraise, drive patients to and from cancer treatment, support patients in groups and individually, provide prevention information and many other activities. For more information visit www.cancer.ca or call Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.

The Canadian Cancer Society has made great strides over the past few years. Thanks to research and services, supported by caring individuals like you, more people than ever are surviving cancer. However, we still have alot more work to do.

Again, thank-you very much for your sponsorship. Together we can make cancer history.

Sincerely,
James. A. Logan
President, Mission Unit

Dear Ms. Rochman,

Just a quick note to thank-you, Elizabeth and all your staff for the tremendous hard work that went into your P.O.E. - Generation Walk this year. Congratulations on your success! The McIntosh family who participated that day had nothing but wonderful comments and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank-you for that.

Elizabeth, you did an amazing job of getting community support and I hope you are pleased with how things went. You really did a fantastic job with having the radio station and the band performing pre-event too.

Candlelighters is extremely grateful to all of you for the ongoing support we receive from Kingsway Arms and I sincerely appreciate all the time and effort that goes into an event such as this. YOU have make a difference in the lives of children, and their families - coping with Childhood Cancer! Thank-you!

Thanks for keeping our Kids Smiling!

Best Regards,
Jocelyn Lamont
Executive Director - Candlelighters
www.candlelighters.net

Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor - Marketing Director
Carleton Place Manor
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place, ON K7C 4S4

Dear Liz;

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance and help in accommodating my mother, Ruth. She is very happy with her accommodation at the Manor and is looking forward to her continual stay and eventual move to the first floor. 

Your professionalism towards Marilyn and me has made the transition easier and we have enjoyed dealing with you.  I hope we can continue to conduct business together in this same light.  You have been very understanding to our needs and have gone out of your way to see that they have been met.  It is a pleasure to deal with a professional like you for a change and I look forward to future meetings.

Sincerely,
K. F.
cc.  Louise Rochman, Executive Director

Dear Gina, Sandra, Tim, Marion, Kim,

On behalf of us 'kids' I wanted to say Thank You for your support and understanding in coordinating Frances and George's move to Kingsway Arms.

It was a difficult transition month for Frances and George, but we can see that with all that each of you do and with your caring, that they are settling in to their new home.

A Happy New Year to you all!

Susan B.

Dear Team at Carleton Place Manor,

Last month, the five of us enjoyed a lovely supper in your Dining Room. The food was delicious and the service excellent!

MANY THANKS!!!
Lola B., Joyce G., Lois P., Danielle, JM
Sunset Club Members

Dear Connie,

This letter is to notify you that Velma S. will be leaving Maisonville Court and moving out on Dec.10th, 2008. Myself and the rest of Velma's family have been very satisfied with the care and attention given to her during these last months. You went above and beyond.

I very much have appreciated the concern shown by you and all the staff at Kingsway Arms at Maisonville Court for both Mom and myself. I will miss all of you. Thank-you for all you have done.

Have a happy Holiday Season,
Sincerely,
Kay C.

I am sending this email to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  I appreciate everything yourself and you staff are doing for my mother (Jean W.)
 
I was speaking to her last evening and she told me she was out with my sister yesterday, came back before lunch, fell asleep and Thank God someone called her to see if she was coming down for lunch.  You see, as you know she is a diabetic, she had fallen asleep and her blood sugar had dropped off dramatically - so I really, really do appreciate your phone calls to her.  Also the other evening she dropped a picture in her room and very shortly afterwards two nurses appeared to see if she had fallen.
 
Thank you does not seem enough, you will never know how much I appreciate "The Manor"!  Mom just loves it there, being with people her own age, getting exercise and most of all playing cards.
 
THANK YOU again for everything,
Heather

Dear Management and Staff at Elgin Lodge,

With Joan and I passing our first anniversary mark of our residence here, we wish to express our sincere thanks for the excellent manner in which our welfare and personal care and accommodation needs have been so expertly carried out.

Your staff, in each and every department, while professional in all standards, are so very kind, courteous and co-operative in every way. We thank and love you all.

We hope our relationship continues as a 'family-oriented' theme.

Frank and Joan S. 

October 28, 2008

Ms. Sheila Mansion -VP Operations
Kingsway Arms Management
Suite 102
Vaughan, Ontario. L4K 5N9

Dear Ms. Mansion,

I would like to write a note to express my gratitude and appreciation for the excellent care my mother (Cécile L.) received at Villa Orléans.

My mother was a resident for almost five years before becoming very ill and almost an invalid. Marcelle and Louise generously agreed to keep mom at the Villa as long as possible. A number of special services were put in place to keep mom comfortable an happy and for the last three months of her life she was looked after with great professionalism, expertise and love.

All of the staff, from the kitchen staff, from Hélène, Sylvie, Robert in maintenance to the nursing staff headed by Louise, supported by Linda, Krystal, Mylaine, Hélène, Christine, Francine, etc… worked diligently and went way beyond the call of duty to keep mom in her “home”.

I was with my mom almost daily for the last three months and was very impressed and thankful for the genuine “family atmosphere” and the welcome that was extended to me as well; I stayed at my mom’s side, full time, for the last week and was given five-star care and support. I will be forever grateful to Louise’s dedication and patience and everyone else at the Villa for the level of professional care given to mom.

I miss my mom terribly but am comforted with the knowledge that she passed away peacefully and with dignity in her “home” with “family”.

Thank you to a wonderful staff at Villa Orléans from the bottom of my heart.

Lise B. 

To Staff and Residents,

Your empathy and kindness responding to the loss of my son has been of great help to me. I am pleased that instead of living alone, I am here at Kingsway Arms.
Sincerely and with thanks to all,

D. Downes

On a side note - this resident was so thankful to all the staff at McCowan - and after living alone in her home for 27 years and having no family living nearby - she felt so much love and support from the staff at McCowan - who were there to assist her through the sudden death of her son.

Dear Louise and Team,

Thank-you so so much for your excellent professional care, your compassion, your devotion and your love for my Mom.

It was Mom's wish to spend her last days with her family of the last 5 years and with all your extra work and the fact that every single one of you went way beyond the call of duty for her and for me - her wish was realized and she passed away peacefully and with dignity.

Merci du plus profond de mon coeur.
Thank-you,
Sincerement,
Lise b

"Thank-you so much for the attractive tea caddy and delicious assortment of teas. We are enjoying them each morning. It is a good start to the day!" 

Kerry and the gang in Social Work at Hamilton Health Sciences

Dear Ms. Mansion,
Recently my husband Clayton and I spent a week at Durand Residence in Hamilton - and wish to let you know we were very impressed. We found the residence very clean and comfortable - the food and service excellent - and the staff at all levels welcoming and efficient. Congratulations on your service.
Yours truly,
Jan D.

Attention: Executive Director

On behalf of the Carleton Place Sunset Club, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the fine meal and excellent afternoon of cards and visiting that we enjoyed at the Manor on the 26th. It is always a pleasure to visit old friends and make new ones. 

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our BBQ - to be held a the Legion grounds on the 16th of July around noon.

We look forward to enjoying another good time with you, your staff and every resident who feel up to joining us.

We will be holding our event outside again this year - but we do have elevator access to the upstairs dining area and cards would be available for those so inclined.

Once again, thank-you for your hospitality.

Sincerely,
Doug Smith - President

Marcelle,

I would like to tell you how much I appreciate everyone at Walden Village Retirement Residence.

Would you please pass this on to each and every member of the staff........

It amazes me at the way everyone goes about his or her tasks in such a willing and cheerful manner.

It really means a lot when you know your loved one is in an environment where their needs are not only met, but all those involved care. You and your staff go the extra mile to try to make Walden Village a nice home for the Residents.

Sincerely,

Wayne D.(John D.- Father)

The attached letter was written to Patrick Byrne the president of Kingsway Arms Retirement, from Suzanne S. – Audrey’s Daughter. Letter from Family.pdf

The love and care that everyone at McCowan showed towards Audrey and her family was an awesome display of customer service at it’s best.  Thank you to everyone!

S, actually mentioned us at the memorial service yesterday – she took a great deal of time in mentioning every department:

Housekeeping – for taking the time to talk and sing with Audrey when they were cleaning her suite every day.

Dietary – for sending up nutritious and appetizing soups and pureed meals for Audrey to encourage her to eat.

Nursing – for all the care and devotion they showed in taking care of Audrey physical needs as well as singing with her!

Reception/office staff – for always taking the time to ensure the family were welcomed and taken care of.  Including sending up dinner when we knew they hadn’t eaten all day after phone calls to ask them to come to the building as Audrey’s condition was deteriorating

We all know how difficult it was for the family to first hear the news of her illness so suddenly and then to cope with the illness itself.  The support you showed during the last two months of her life really is appreciated by them and several other people I met at the memorial yesterday, a few of whom have family at McCowan as well!

Personally, I would like to thank every one of you for the dignity, respect and most of all love you showed during this time.

Dearest Residence and Staff at Walden Village,

I just wanted to send you a little note to thank-you from the bottom of my heart for all the love an support that you have shared with us during the passing of my mother T.R. You must all know how much she loved being part of your family. She made many friends among you and loved you all dearly.

Although she missed my dad tremendously, you all made the last 2 years of her life meaningful, happy, and filled her days and nights with joy and laughter. She loved the crafts, the outings, the parties ,the cards, and just having someone to sit and talk to, or go for little walks with. Of course, we all know how much she loved to play Bingo as well; especially when she won, ha ha! Being given the opportunity to learn how to play Bridge was also a highlight in her life. Every Friday night, mom would tell me how much fun she had playing Bridge, and how much you all laughed throughout the evening.

To all the staff, I thank you for taking such good care of her. She always appreciated everything that you did. Everybody from the administrative staff, to the nursing, kitchen, housekeeping, custodial, entertainment, volunteers and any others that I may have missed, you all went the extra mile to ensure that things ran as smoothly as possible, and that she had everything she needed. My Mom only had good things to say about all of you. Your kindness and generosity were obvious. Thank-you for always doing that little extra.

Again, please know, residents and staff, how special you all are and that my mom truly loved being with you all. Your love and support during her passing meant a lot to my brother and I, and we truly appreciate it. She was a very special woman, and I know we will ALL MISS HER DEARLY.

I'm sure we'll see you all again soon. In the meantime, take care of yourselves, and live everyday to the fullest. 

Sincerely,
Anne M, P. and M. 

I am writing to say thank you for the "Keep in Touch" luncheon you provided for my friend Norma Plummer. It was such a thoughtful idea for one of your residents and a very well planned and carried out occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed it all and again I say thank you for making it happen for Norma, me and her other friends."

Greetings Gina,

On behalf of Trilogy LTC Residence's Management Team, I wanted to extend a big Thank-you to you and your team for the wonderful hospitality throughout our full-day meeting at your lovely home. The delicious and well-presented lunch was so wonderful! I have to say, you have really friendly and caring staff who attended to our every need. Our managers commented on the high level of customer service. No detail was missed. Scarborough can be very proud of having such a first-class retirement home for seniors. YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD.

J.P. Director of Resident and Family Services/Trilogy LTC Residence.

Observations à la Villa Orléans

Première Observation

Quand j’ai visité ici pour la première fois, au mois d’octobre de l’an passé, j’ai fait la rencontre de Marisabelle pour la première fois.  Elle m’a fait visiter la vieille partie existante de la Villa et l’appartement modèle des nouveaux appartements en construction.  Elle m’a dit tous les avantages qu’offriraient la maison une fois les travaux terminés.  Laissez-moi vous dire que si Marisabelle m’avait souligné tous les services et toutes les activités qu’on allait introduire via Joanne pour chaque jour de l’année, j’aurais dit qu’on essayait de ma laver le cerveau et j’aurais sans doute claquer la porte.

Deuxième Observation

Beaucoup de concerts, des fêtes d’anniversaire, des cérémonies à l’occasion des congés civiques, BBQ, voyages, etc,  se sont réalisés au courant de l’année.  Un des événements qui m’a plu beaucoup, c’est le souper au Doré qui a été préparé par M. Tourangeau, le bon poisson, le bon vin et aussi de voir M. Tourangeau aller de table en table pour serrer la main de chacun et chacune de la salle à manger.  J’ai eu l’honneur de lui serrer la main et de la féliciter du bon travail qu’il avait accompli et le remercier du bon souper qu’on venait de déguster.  Je pouvais voir dans son visage le plaisir et le bonheur qu’il ressentait dans son cœur de voir l’accomplissement des ses rêves se dérouler devant ses yeux.  Aussi, de voir son ancien projet continuer sous la direction de sa progéniture (Marcelle) et les deux petites progénitures qui allaient d’une table à l’autre comme de éclairs électriques.  Bravo à la famille Tourangeau!

Troisième et dernière Observation

Le 24 octobre dernier, se déroulait l’Assemblée du Conseil des Résidents.  C’était beau de voir le changement d’attitude et d’humeur des résidents à comparer aux Assemblées précédentes.  L’ambiance de l’humeur des résidents étaient complètement changé.  Les critiques et les plaintes qu’on avait l’habitude d’entendre étaient devenues des conversations plutôt mélodieuses.  Je voyais Joanne sourire et se disait en elle-même, finalement on ne crie plus après nous…

Pour continuer mon observation, je dois dire qu’à partir du groupe de la maintenance, dehors et en dedans, les dames qui s’occupent des chambres, les serveuses et serveurs de la salle à manger, le personnel de la cuisine, les employés du bureau, le corps médical, la directrice des activités, Baby Face Joanne et notre charmante et compétente directrice générale, Marcelle Bélec forment une équipe dynamique et exemplaire.  Et à cette époque de l’année, nous leur devons tous un gros remerciement et notre support pour la nouvelle année qui va bientôt commencer. 

Pour conclure, je veux dire personnellement que vous, Marcelle et votre équipe, avez le vent dans les voiles, et continuez de viser vers la perfection.

Merci,
D’un Résident

To the staff at Kingsway Arms at McCowan,

Just a few words to thank you all for the wonderful care you have given me during the past 6 months.  I say to anyone that asks ?If you have to be in a Retirement Home this is the place to be in.Once again a great big THANK YOU all for the services that you give.

Sincerely

Irene E.

To the staff at Kingsway Arms at McCowan,

I have been working at National Pharmacy for the past few weeks and have been away from home in Windsor. The staff at Kingsway Arms have been very kind while I have been in Scarborough. Everyone is very pleasant, friendly and helpful.

Thank you to everyone!

Jackie L. (National Pharmacy)

 A special thank you to Sunita and June to ensure I was comfortable!

Dear Staff and Residents,
I would like to thank-you all for the concern, caring and kindness that was offered to me this past month. But a simple "Thank-you" seems so inadequate. Your support and prayers helped me more than I can say. The donation in my mother's name and to see all of you there to support me on the hardest day I have ever had and also knowing there were many at Walden with us in our thoughts helped us all. Walden is a special place with very special people in it.
Thank-you sincerely for sharing our sorrow. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
E., R., P., P., and E.

Dear Heidi,
Thank-you so much for the luxurious Belgian Chocolates you sent the Social Work department at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. They were a welcome bit of decadence and they were sampled by everyone in the department. Thank-you so much for thinking of us. I hope you and your staff enjoy a happy and healthy 2007.
Jane Adams
Manager Social Work/ Discharge Planning
Queensway Carleton Hospital

Hi Heidi,

Thanks again to you and the staff for hosting such a wonderful Christmas Party last Thursday eveniing. It way great to see M. enjoying herself so much in a crowd. She loves being the centre of attention. If it's not too much trouble, I'd love to have you send me those pictures taken at the party. The nephews from Florida, Texas, and Toronto will get a kick out of them.
Best Wishes,
Jim

Dear Heidi,

Just a note, to first say "Thank-You" for taking us on a tour of Walden Village. We were very impressed with you and the 'spirit' of the residence. Your Residents sincerely enjoy their time living at the Village as does the staff. Both David and Mary Lou decided that the Village would be an excellent choice, and will be asking you if there is a opening should that be a decision needed to be made in the next week or so. They will be following their mother's recovery in this time to decide if she should go for a respite care stay.

I was very impresssed as well in our time spent with you and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you again.

Best Regards
Bernice

Attention: June James/Kingsway Arms at McCowan

Dear June,

I am writing this letter today to let you know how wonderful it is and my pleasure, working with Maria in your reception area. She is always pleasant, prompt and extremely helpful with any administrative or resident issues that may arise.

She has consistently demonstrated excellent customer relations skills, and always puts a smile on my face every time I speak with her.

Marie is a credit to your facility and I wish her continued success in her career with Kingsway Arms at McCowan. These qualities seem to be very rare these days, so I hope she is aware how much I apreciate it.

Sincerely,
Lynn Beka,Operations Coordinator
Seniors Care Home Division
Hospitality Network

Dear Peggy-Marketing Director

Firstly, let me apologize for taking so long to send you this letter. The Emergency Department has been particularly busy lately.

On behalf of the Emergency Department staff, I would like to say thank-you so much for the generous gift of Tim Horton's Gift Certificates you sent us. Over the past few weeks morale and spirits have been quite low and your thoughtfulness really helped to boost both. What a difference a coffee and donut will make!

It has always been a pleasure for our staff to deal with your staff and residence. Please pass on our thanks to anyone wlse that deserves it at Durand.

Yours truly,
Lisa Karl
Acting Nurse Manager/St. Joseph's HealthCare
Emergency Department

Dear Diane,

On behalf of our family, I am writing to thank you, your staff and the Board of Directors, for the excellent care you provided for my wife, Doris M., from her admission in September 2005 to her recent transfer to Garry Armstrong Long Term Care Home, in August 2006. Through all the difficult times, she was treated with dignity, kindness and skill. The ability of the staff to recover misplaced items like glasses and rings, cannot be forgotten.
Thank-you SO MUCH for everything.

Sincerely,
Lester M. (M.D.)

Dear Madelaine Stellar,

This letter is long overdue, thanking you for your kindness in celebrating my mother's life, and for the twenty-three years she lived at the Durand.

Mom talked often about the Durand and the caring she received there. My wife and I saw and were thankful for the kind actions of the staff. Of course, you must know that she loved this attention. We often saw Mom ready and happy to be in Chris' dining room.

None of this consistently happens without the pervasive sense of what is right coming from the centre, which you, your Mom, and Linda gave directly or by example.

The reception after Mom's funeral that you organized was gracious and thoughtful.

Thanks,
Mike and Helen P.

Dear Marcelle,
On behalf of our family, I am writing to thank-you and your excellent staff at Walden Village for the kind and attentive care that you folks have shown to my mother, Mary M. A recent example of this was the fast and efficient manner in which your Director or Care assisted my mother and me in having a broken dental plate repaired overnight, just before Christmas. And...there are many other examples of the fine caring provided by each of your staff. Please extend our heartfelt appreciation to your DOC and all your employees at Walden.Happy New Year,
Sincerely,
Richard M.

Kingsway Arms At McCowan

Dear Gina Cook,

On behalf of the Mary Martha Circle of Jubilee United Church, of which Marg Breeze is a member, we would like to thank you and your staff for the lovely lunch and tour of Kingsway Arms.  It is a lovely place and the people are so friendly.

To show our appreciation also to Marg, one of the kits that we donate yearly to “Sleeping Children Around the World” was put in her name.  I am sure she will show you the pictures in a few months when she receives it.

Thanks again for a very pleasant afternoon.

Robbie King

Dear Kingsway  Arms Staff at McCowan,

Please enjoy the Christmas goodies and know that all of you hold special places in our hearts.  We hope that you know that all you do everyday to make our mother and all the other residents feel safe and comfortable, never goes unnoticed or unappreciated by us.  We know what it takes to consistently give care, patience, understanding and kindness as well as doing all the demanding and unpleasant tasks to keep people well.

We are ever so grateful for the welcome that we receive when we arrive and the endless patience and attention your staff gives when we call or need clarification.

This has been a difficult year for our family and we view Kingsway Arms as a true Godsend!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to you all.  Please know that you are all making a HUGE difference in the lives of so many families!

We send great love and blessings to you and your families at this holiday time.

Love from Agnes and her daughters.

To all the Staff at St. Joseph Manor,

Bridget ended her journey at home in comfort and pain free on December 6, 2006 surrounded by familiar faces, sounds, smells, wonderful staff, family members and "Bear" also checked in and laid down at the foot of her bed.

We are grateful to all the staff who provided Bridget with love, attention, affection, comfort, fun, humor, protection and wonderful meals during her 2 1/2 years at St. Joseph Manor.

We thank you for listening to our many requests and demands. We had to be her voice. Thank-you to the staff who so willingly took care of Bridget during her last few days of life. Thank-you for your time and energy and holding her hand so she did not feel scared or alone.

We have great memories and lots of funny stories to share. We will miss her but we  comfort ourselves in knowing that she is at peace and no longer has to try and remember.....

Many thanks to each and everyone......
Sincerely David and Fran

Dear, dear Staff at Kingsway Arms,

       Once again I am moved to write a note to thank you all for the beautiful service that you do everyday for my mom and all your residents.  I hope that I convey these words what is truly in my heart.  Our family, and probably all the families that you serve, have been through difficult times.  And knowing that your loved one is cared about ,treated well and looked after, takes a tremendous burden off for us.  Whatever I am at your place, I see so very many examples of the compassion that is spoken of on the front of this card.  Bless you; bless you all for making my mother comfortable and peaceful at this time in her life….and for making the requests of my sisters and myself never feel like they are too much to ask!!  Your hellos, your smiles, your stopping to chat are never taken for granted, are always appreciated deeply.

      Please remember to take good care of yourselves and each other as you give out so much.

 In deep gratitude,

Agnes daughter, Ingrid

Dear Kingsway Arms Staff,

MANY...MANY THANKS! CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!

I have been here for 2 months now and living here is wonderful. The staff is so friendly and helpful! The food is delicious and the decorating in all the rooms is so beautiful! Please enjoy these chocolates as a thank-you.

Sincerely,

Jennie C.

To all the Staff of Kingsway Arms,

A special note for you - bringing many thanks from me! Thank-you for the "Welcome Gift."

Jo G.

I am writing to thank-you for making the move to Kingsway Arms so easy. I would like to especially thank-you for making my job so easy and enjoyable. Thank-you for taking my calls and the many changes and requests. Please express my appreciation to all the ladies at the front desk.

Sincerely Yours,

Norma D.

Thank-you for my warm welcome to Applewood along with the card and fruit basket. It meant so much to me. I'm glad I came here for the week to recuperate and I highly recommend it to everyone. I enjoyed my accommodation which is spacious and comfortable. The staff are so helpful and pleasant. they did their best for me. Thank-you again.

Anne L.

Dear Theresa,

I want to thank you and your staff for the excellent care provided my sister Sylvia during the year and a half that she spent at Applewood.

We chose Applewood over several other residences in the area mainly because of the staff. We were impressed on our first visit to Applewood by the warm and friendly atmosphere provided by all members of your staff that made my sister feel right at home. We talked to some of the residents and they confirmed that this was the Applewood way. The 24 hour nursing supervision was also a major factor in our decision. The communication with her doctors and pharmacists was outstanding and particularly reassuring to her family, all of whom lived out of town. We know now that without the attentive services of the nursing staff, Sylvia would not have been able to live so independently for as long as she did. Everyone took a personal interest in her well being and she felt supported and relaxed knowing that people were looking out for her.

After her death, the staff provided exceptional care and support for me and my family. You provided a place for us to meet and to stay and the lunch you arranged for us was very much appreciated. We understand that this type of service is extraordinary and we cannot thank you and your staff enough for your support.

We will always remember you and your staff at Applewood fondly and want each of you to know that you made a significant contribution to Sylvia's comfort in the last months of her life.

Sincerely,

Roy C.

Dear Ms. Abdo,    
        As you know, it's been one year since my father died at the age of 91. I want to let you and the staff know how much I appreciate the loving care you gave him in the last year of his life and which you all continue to give my mother every day.
        Before my parents agreed to move into Walden Village, we conducted extensive research on many retirement homes in Ottawa. We concluded then that your establishment was in a league of its own - a league of excellence. Your "comfy" size, the cleanliness of the building, the cuisine, the recreational choices, and, above all, a warm, caring and always attentive staff make Walden Village an absolutely wonderful place to live.
        It remains abundantly clear today that two years ago we made an outstanding selection in picking Walden Village.
        Again, many thanks to all the wonderful folks who make Walden Village such a wonderful residence.
Yours sincerely,
AG Johnstone/ Kanata

To all the staff at Walden Village,
     Our sincere thanks to each of you who made a difference in Dad's life. For Dad, to leave his home and go to a retirement home was not something he looked forward to, but ultimately agreed to. After he was with you for one day, he told me "it was a thousand times better than he had imagined."
     You were all so kind, so patient, and so willing to help him in any way to make his stay with you a pleasant experience. Your kindness to Ed and me during Dad's stay and the day he passed away meant so much to us.
     You have a wonderful, caring facility and you should all be proud to be part of it.
     Many thanks again for your kindness and support.

Sincerely,
Susan Perry/ Kanata

Dear Marcelle and all staff members at Walden Village

The Christmas season was a difficult time for our family this year, and arrived before we knew it.  Christmas cards were held back, but our wishes for happiness towards others were not.  Therefore, I still wanted to send you this note, as it is indeed filled with Best Wishes for a New Year that will bring good health and happiness to all, and with hopes that you truly enjoyed the holiday season and Christmas break.

You have all done so much for my mother, each helping her in your own individual way.  Therefore, I had to take a moment to write you a little note just to say thanks, and to let you know how much your assistance is appreciated.  The kindness of each staff member has helped my mother begin to adapt to a new way of life.  Although she still struggles, and will for many years, your assistance has eased her way.  You have not only been helping her, but also my brother and I, as we no longer worry about things like mom’s medicine, meals, housekeeping, aloneness, and most of all, happiness.  The activities and outings that are so welled planned have also been beneficial, as they have helped her to keep busy and pass time in a very friendly atmosphere.

Mom only has wonderful things to say about all of you, and her words are confirmed every time we visit.  Your kindness and generosity are obvious; thank you all for always doing that little extra.  Enclosed is just a little snack for you to munch on from both my mother and I.  Please enjoy, and once again, Happy New Year! 

Sincerely, Therese Robert and Anne-Marie H.

Dear Henri,

After my second visit to Kingsway Arms this summer, and after having such an enjoyable stay, I feel compelled to write to you and your staff.

I have always dreaded the thought of having to go in to a retirement place as my arthritis progresses.  Thanks to you and your staff I am actually looking forward to the day when I can move in for good.

Thanks again for all the tender loving care, but also thanks for being there!

Sincerely,
Kathryn Pearsons

On behalf of Christine Richard, her daughters would like to thank you for the wonderful care and attention she received throughout the year.

Nursing Staff: All of you have been patient and supportive in answering our cares and concerns. You have been not only kind and gentle with us but we have felt your compassion towards Mom.   For example: We remember arriving from the hospital in the middle of the night, in very bad weather, to be met by you at the gate. You were like a beacon in a storm. Thank You!

Recreation: It's very difficult to please everyone especially in both languages. However, this job is accomplished by caring and thoughtful staff and volunteers. Recreation is not only about having fun. Patiently reading the newspaper and helping residents be aware of current events is a sign of respect and dignity. We do have a lot of fun though! Thank You!

Administration Staff: You are often the sounding board for us and for the many residents. (It takes a lot of patience to be at the helm of the Manor) Thank you for letting us use the telephone so often. We appreciate that we can bug you for scotch tape and other stuff and also showing us how to copy the song books for the Friday night sing-a-long. Thank You!

Health Support Staff:   Many of you have become more than staff, you have become friends to our Mother. During the times when our Mother has needed extra support you have been there for all of us. You are generous with both your time, your care, your understanding and in particular, your patience. Thank You!
Housekeeping: Mom has told us often how hard you work and that she appreciates the good job that you do. An example is letting us know that her carpets are being washed. We can't believe you wash all those windows! Thank You!

Kitchen Staff: WOW! All of you are great! There has never been a time during our Mother's two year stay that we have felt like an imposition during meal times. On many occasions we have just "dropped in" and yet, always made us feel welcome and at home. We love your soups! Thank You!

None of the above Thank You's would be possible without you, Diane.   When the "Boss Lady" is willing to stop what she is doing to take time out for the residents it is a reflection of what is important in the care of everyone at the Manor. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

We wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Lilianne, Joanne, Helene

Dear Friends,

Thank you for hosting a bingo on behalf of the Downtown Mission. Your donation of the 370 cans will definitely make a difference. Kindness and compassion from good folks like yourself makes the world a better place for those who are not so fortunate. Thanks again.

Kay Punter