Embracing Sunshine: Transforming Lives at Deer Lodge Centre

Written by guest author, Deb Martens, Spiritual Health Practitioner, Deer Lodge Centre 

What is sunshine worth to you?

Imagine a day without the simple pleasure of fresh air. Picture seeing flowers and leaves but never having the chance to smell them or feel their delicate petals between your fingers. How would this impact your physical and mental health? More importantly, what would it do to your spirit? Wouldn’t you long for someone to help you experience the sun’s warm embrace?

As a Spiritual Health Practitioner at Deer Lodge Centre, my mission revolves around nurturing the spirit, promoting its growth, and ensuring its fulfillment in every possible way. Over the past four years at Deer Lodge Centre, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact your support has had on the lives of our residents. For this, I am immensely grateful. Your selfless commitment to our community has been transformative.

However, the challenge of inaccessibility continues to impoverish the spirit. Having access to a green space and the freedom to enjoy and care for it offers profound fulfillment and a sense of ownership.

Creating a Backyard Sanctuary

I am thrilled about the plans to make our outdoor spaces more accessible for individuals who use walkers and wheelchairs. Currently, steep paths limit mobility, preventing many from exploring our grounds. The new walkways will be wide and gentle, with rails to ensure stability.

We already have gardens where residents grow vegetables, enjoying meals from their harvests. The new planter boxes will be at the perfect height for residents and visitors in wheelchairs, allowing everyone to connect with nature. The inclusivity of these spaces is crucial.

In the back corner, we will create an Indigenous ceremony area for sacred fires and traditional Indigenous plants—a grounding space that uplifts us both spiritually and physically.

Your generosity enables Deer Lodge Centre to provide cutting-edge care for dementia patients and accessible facilities for Chronic Care residents—services that go beyond the reach of government funding. I witness the reach of your support every day, benefiting everyone here.

However, we need more help to stay on schedule with the courtyard renovations. This project is about more than laying new stones or planting flowers; it’s about crafting an oasis of joy and tranquillity for those who have given so much to our community. It’s about giving back, and creating a space that heals, inspires, and invigorates.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURTYARD TRANSFORMATION PROJECT

How You Can Help

We hope we can count on your continued support with a gift today. Any amount you feel comfortable giving will help kickstart the courtyard transformation. Please consider making a secure donation BY CLICKING HERE.