WATCH ABOVE: The Canadian Cancer Society’s Lodge that Gives will be going from 34 beds that are full most nights to 65 beds, nearly doubling their capacity. Ray Bradshaw reports.
HALIFAX – The Canadian Cancer Society’s Lodge that Gives has been offering a place to stay to cancer patients in our region for more than 20 years. On many nights, all beds are full. Now, the lodge is expanding – and getting a new name – thanks to a successful fund-raising campaign.
Health Minister Leo Glavine and Marsha Sobey of the Daffodil Place Campaign broke ground for the expansion of “The Lodge that Gives” in Halifax Wednesday.
“We’re going from 34 beds a night to somewhere in the vicinity of 65 beds a night,” said Barbara Stead-Coyle, the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division.
Attached to the existing building on South Street, the new wing will be constructed on an adjacent vacant lot. The facility is filled every day with cancer patients receiving treatment in the city. Many more can’t be accommodated, and are on a waiting list.
“Well it’s almost I’d say like home away from home. You have different friends and they’re friendly – just really friendly and it’s a real nice place to be,” said Barbara Spidle of Wilmot, Nova Scotia. “You can relax in here.”
Eric Willis of Charlottetown, P.E.I. said, “It does take your mind off your personal problems – a very calming effect in here. The people are all so friendly.”
Besides the expansion, plans call for a larger kitchen and dining room, and supportive care space for patients.
The daffodil place campaign began in 2010 and raised $15-million in donations from businesses and individuals. Marsha Sobey is the chairwoman. Her family contributed millions to the campaign.
The Past Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society Board, Nancy Barteaux honoured Sobey by saying, “To thank you and forever commemorate your enormous contribution, we are absolutely thrilled to announce we will be renaming the expanded facility the Sobey Cancer Support System.”
“This is a team and it’s like any sports team,” said Sobey, “it takes all the players on that team to make something a success or to win the game.”
The expansion and renovations are expected to be completed by early 2016.
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- Canadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’
- Video shows Ontario police sharing Trudeau’s location with protester, investigation launched
- Solar eclipse eye damage: More than 160 cases reported in Ontario, Quebec
Comments