Harvest dinner fundraiser supports senior’s activities

By Brandie Majeau
It was an evening of merriment and strong community support at Pembina Place Cultural Centre on
October 14. Diamond Spring Lodge, a community of Homeland Housing, hosted a Harvest Dinner
Fundraiser attended by approximately 140 people. Homeland Housing provides homes for more than
850 residents, and at Diamond Spring Lodge, it “places great importance on the well-being of seniors
and acknowledges the positive impact of recreational activities in their lives.” This statement was
written in the welcoming paragraph of the fundraiser program and summarized the importance of the
evening’s harvest dinner fundraiser. The goal of this fundraising endeavor was to improve the quality of
life for their residents through activities and recreational programs.

Diamond Spring Lodge General Manager, Dianna Berry, explained that they have been listening to what
their residents want. The proceeds from this campaign would be going towards supporting their seniors’
bus trips, in addition to purchasing materials for developing new activities within the lodge. Such
activities include a Leather Crafting initiative to enrich the lives of their senior residents. This fundraising
event was also a means of giving back to the community. The Redwater Food Bank will receive 25% of
the proceeds obtained from the Harvest Dinner Fundraiser.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast befitting the autumn season. A catered dinner of roasted beef
and creamed chicken was complemented with all the fixings, including perogies and cabbage rolls. If one
had room, a variety of desserts were available to top off the meal. As the dinner wound to its
conclusion, silent auction tables were available to browse and bid on, and one could take the chance to
purchase a 50/50 ticket. Homeland Housing CEO, Raymond Cormie, addressed the crowded hall with
heartfelt thanks to the Diamond Springs site manager and recreation coordinator for making this
wonderful night come together. He spoke of the community coming together and helping each other,
evident by the outpouring of support witnessed that evening.

In attendance was also Minister Dale Nally. His gracious speech expressed gratitude that these small-
town events still begin a dinner with grace, an expression of thankfulness. He went on to speak of the
importance of seniors, who are the backbone of our communities. They have built our schools, our
hospitals, our infrastructure, our industry; the success of our economy belongs to that generation. As
Nally continued on the importance of seniors having active golden years, he also addressed the need for
affordable housing, citing upcoming government policies and investments, such as creating 25,000
affordable housing units over the next ten years and $7.4 million to expand elder abuse centers.

Redwater Mayor, David McRae, followed Minister Nally, recognizing family names who built this town.
McRae spoke of the numerous drafts he sat down to write for his speech, not realizing he would have

such difficulty with the topic, realizing that the full understanding was that this would not be an
acknowledgment of the who, but the what. When first experiencing Diamond Spring Lodge, McRae
noted that he did not realize the scope of Homeland Housing and expressed the gratitude he had for the
caring demonstrated in these facilities. David McRae, using a golfing analogy, conveyed the significance
of our seniors, how they have paved the way to make everything easier for the following generations.
They deserve proper love and care.

CEO, Raymond Cormie, concluded that Homeland Housing is not just about bricks and mortar. He
stressed the importance of relationships and that we are riding on the shoulders of those who came
before us. Diamond Springs Lodge residents who were in attendance were asked to stand and received
sincere appreciation for their outstanding community work. The conclusion of the speeches called
forward the amazing staff of Diamond Spring Lodge who received a standing ovation for their dedication
and incredible service. Richard and Deborah Popovich rounded out the evening with entertainment,
celebrating a successful Harvest Dinner Fundraiser because of the graciousness of the community,
providing contributions to further enrich the lives of Diamond Springs Lodge residents.