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St. Joseph’s Villa launches $4.2M Caring Beyond capital campaign

The effort has already raised in excess of $3.1M to cover costs of new roof, HVAC system and other purchases
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St. Joseph's Villa long-term care centre. (File photo)

Fundraising in a pandemic presents some serious challenges, but St. Joseph’s Villa seems to be on top of things, have raised almost 75 per cent of its $4.2 million goal in its three-year Caring Beyond capital campaign.

The money is being raised to cover the costs of a new roof, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, as well as windows, beds and mattresses, kitchen and bathroom equipment, chairs and blanket warmers among many other essential accessories.  

Donations to date include $1.8 million from the federal and provincial governments, $500,000 from the City of Greater Sudbury and more than $700,000 from corporations and individuals from across the region.

“The level of commitment from individuals, families, businesses and senior levels of government has been key to the campaign’s success to date,” said campaign co-chair Celia Teale. 

St. Joseph’s CEO Jo-Anne Palkovits said homes like St. Joseph rely solely on Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) funding and residents’ fees for the basic costs of personal care, food, staffing and accommodation. Under-funding of long-term care has long been a challenge, and that funding model does not include sorely needed capital spending..

Last May, when the home was dealing with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the roof started to leak and water was getting into the building and affecting resident rooms and staff.

“We were the first home in the area, unfortunately, to have the virus enter the building,” she said. “We lost a resident, and that was devastating. During that time, our roof started to leak badly. We had no choice but to repair the roof.”

Palkovits said they tried to finance the repairs through banking, but could not due to restrictions imposed by the government. That’s why St. Joseph’s has launched this fundraising campaign.

“There are a number of things that were critical to the health and safety of our residents, that we had no choice but to get done, and it put us in debt,” she said.

It will take three years to complete the retrofits, but the new roof is already done, and the new HVAC system should be installed this summer.

“It’s been a humbling experience  to witness the amazing support our campaign has received to date,” said honorary co-chair Jim Gordon. “This reaffirms my belief that Sudburians realize and support the amazing work, sacrifices and dedication to the community that our older citizens have contributed.”

St. Joseph’s Villa is a  shining example of how that compassionate care can and should be delivered,” Gordon said. “But we need your help, and we need it now. The people who built this community are living in a safe and caring environment, we are close to our goal, and we’re in the final sprint.”


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Arron Pickard

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