Salvation Army Meighen Manor Resident’s Passion for Painting Brightens Home With Beautiful Colours

Artist name has been changed for privacy.

Ginger is 89-years-old and she discovered a new talent and passion for painting. She became a resident at The Salvation Army Meighen Manor long-term care home in Toronto in 2021 and attended her first art class.

Her love of painting began when a local artist came to teach art at Meighen Manor to provide an activity for residents facing isolation during the pandemic.

Art teacher Roberta Pellegrina began working at Meighen Manor as a resident assistant in 2021 through a government program for those who found themselves unemployed during the pandemic. Roberta was offered a position at Meighen Manor and the program has now expanded to retirement residents as well.

“Roberta had an amazing approach with the residents. She was very encouraging, and the residents would paint whatever they liked,” said Monica Klein-Nouri, Executive Director at Meighen Manor. “They really enjoyed the activity and we now have paintings all over the home.”

Ginger has completed over 50 paintings. Her goal is to donate paintings to the units at Meighen Manor so other residents can enjoy the paintings and many have them hanging in their rooms. Residents are encouraged to choose the paintings they love the best for their room.

“I want to donate my paintings to every resident in the Manor. I gave away paintings to everyone on my floor and to any other people that wanted a painting. Now I want to see my paintings on every floor. Some residents have nothing on the walls, or they don’t have anyone to visit them, so the paintings give them something to look at,” said Ginger.

Ginger loves to paint nature, animals, landscapes and structures such as the Eiffel Tower.

“I enjoy it because it makes the time pass by and it keeps me busy. I paint about 5 hours per day. I have a routine to paint every day after breakfast and after lunch,” said Ginger.

“She has very beautiful paintings! She is such a selfless person,” said Monica. It’s very heartwarming and she wants to keep painting, sharing her art and donating to those who don’t have one.”

With the encouragement of the Recreation Team’s Jose Rodriguez and supervisor Adrienne Osbourne, Ginger is meeting her goal and exceeding her expectations.  An art exhibition of Ginger’s work was recently held in the Meighen Manor community room. Residents, staff and family members attended the show.  Donations were accepted and proceeds went to the home’s recreation department.

A few months ago, an art show of all the residents’ work was held and included a fundraising auction. Many of the paintings were sold and funds raised went to purchase more art supplies.

To support The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By: Caroline Franks