SASKATCHEWAN GENEROSITY TRANSFORMS GATHERING SPACE INTO LIVING SPACE
On Thursday, January 24th we celebrated gifts of new furniture to the Supportive Residential Unit (SRP), at the Regina Waterston Centre, with the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF).
At the beginning of 2018, we set out to replace worn out sofas and armchairs in the SRP. The SRP provides an alternative residential service option for men with diagnosed psychiatric illness, behavioral problems, and/or substance abuse, as long as the resident can be maintained safely within the facility and surrounding community.
A Lounge exists in the Unit which our residents refer to as the living room. It is a dedicated space solely for their use. Much like your living room at home, it is a place that is available day or night to relax, watch TV or read. Most importantly, it is the place where connection and togetherness are fostered. This is particularly evident when a ‘Riders’ game’ is on. Common interests and relationships are usually found here. The challenge we faced was that the furniture in the room was dated, worn and needed replacing.
In May, the Lynn and Jim Tomkins Foundation Fund at the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation granted the funds for the initial purchase of chairs. Then, in October we were thrilled to be awarded the remainder of funds from The Lorne and Evelyn Johnson Foundation (administered in conjunction with SSCF) to complete the project.
“These gifts have literally transformed the living space for our SRP residents. The guys have commented a lot saying how much cleaner, organized and homey the place is now. It is very nice to see the increased presence in the lounge” says Suzanne Rue-Peter, SRP Residential Program Manager.
Donna Ziegler, Executive Director at the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation stated that “the Foundation is proud to facilitate donors’ philanthropy – whether it be Lynn and Jim Tomkins’ yearly granting to support initiatives such as this one at Waterston Centre or perpetuating the Johnsons’ legacy in Regina – so that our home is a more vital, strong, and fair place to live, work, and play.”
The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) serves as a bridge between donors and charities in Regina and in southern Saskatchewan. We believe in facilitating Saskatchewan philanthropy, supporting local charities, and developing our community so that our home is a more vital, strong, and fair place to live, work, and play. If you would like to learn more about us you can contact us at www.sscf.ca
