The Betel Personal Care Home in Gimli treated its residents to an in-house Tim Hortons experience last week that looked and smelled and sounded like the real thing.
From left George (resident), Ashley Ayres, Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator, Trista Allbutt, Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator, and Martha (resident). George and Martha are one of four married couples currently residing at Gimli Betel Home together
Betel’s recreation staff turned the PCH’s multipurpose room into a Timmies drive-thru, replete with a serving window and uniforms that the local Tim Hortons generously lent to Betel staff.
Gimli Betel’s Recreation Manager Bryanne Hjorleifson said Betel staff were inspired by an event that had been held at the Betel PCH in Selkirk and decided to hold their own Tim Hortons Day in Gimli. They went all out to make the event as close to a coffee-shop experience as possible. Tables were set up so that residents could sit together and socialize and get caught up on the latest news.
“We wanted to do something different that also brought a sense of normal everyday life into the facility. Coffee is something most of our residents love and have often, but having a Tim Hortons coffee is a real treat. Timbits are always a favorite with the residents as well,” said Hjorleifson.
Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator Ashley Ayres said they wanted to brighten up the residents’ day by offering something new.
“We just want to see them smile,” said Ayres. “Bringing in new things to break up the normal routine always puts a smile on everyone’s face.”
In total about 70 residents enjoyed the event. About 60-65 residents visited the drive-thru to place their order, and Betel staff delivered the remaining orders to residents’ rooms in order “to reach as many residents as possible.”
It was a hit with residents and their families.
“They absolutely loved it and have not stopped talking about it,” said Hjorleifson. “Recreation staff were approached by numerous family members who shared how much their loved one enjoyed the experience. There were big smiles and full hearts all around.”
Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator Trista Allbutt and her spouse Kurt Kutcher made the mock Tim’s drive-thru window on their own time and donated it to Betel. Essentially a box on wheels, the drive-thru has counter space for serving staff and for food and beverages, as well as a customer serving window with a counter. The “restaurant” was painted and decorated with images of Timbits, donuts and coffee. Cindy Anderson, a family member of a resident, made the signs for the stand. All items listed on the menu were free, including smiles. Betel staff were decked out in Tims’ aprons and visors.
Run by the non-profit Betel Home Foundation (BHF), the 80-bed personal care home offers a standard of care that aims to enhance the daily quality of life for residents. Activities include a recreation schedule that serves clients’ cognitive, social, physical and emotional needs. Some of the regularly scheduled programs include memory-lane quizzes, a craft group, linen folding, bend-and-stretch exercises, hymn singing and religious masses. Local choirs and theatre groups also perform for residents. The home has a secure courtyard, a chapel and is next to Gimli’s Viking Park. BHF also operates a 91-bed PCH in Selkirk.
Hjorleifson said Gimli PCH staff and Tim Hortons’ staff worked together to make the event a success.
“Our staff wanted to make it a special event for the residents and make it something memorable,” she said. “The local Tims was fantastic; they were so good about working with us and providing what we needed. They were wonderful and we really appreciate them. It takes a village – at all age levels.”
A volunteer group called The Friends of Gimli Betel, which was founded and is led by RM of Gimli resident Pat Nuspl, has played a part in helping create connections between Betel and the wider community. The group also helps fundraise to provide extra support for the residents.
“The Friends of Gimli Betel do so much to show the world what happens around here and support us in any way we could ever need or think of,” said Hjorleifson.
The volunteer group will be holding its 2nd Annual Bake Sale and Bazaar fundraiser on May 10 in Johnson Hall at the Waterfront Centre from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fundraiser will include handmade contributions from Betel residents.
