Hillcrest Lodge has proved one again that it really does pay to recycle. After raising $1,600 last year, residents have surpassed this number with a grand total of $2,554 worth of recycled bottled.
Seniors at the lodge collect bottles, and the kitchen contributes by collecting milk containers. The residents then bag their collection put them in recycling containers, where they are taken to the bottle depot.
Hillcrest Lodge activities manager Shelley Oswald said this year Hillcrest has given away a fair amount of money thanks to the bottle drive. Donations started back in Aug. when they donated $537 to the Agricultural Society, sponsoring buckles for a sheep riding competition. Now the lodge is able to give away another $600 to groups close to them.
Oswald also added the lodge likes to give to specific groups that are dealing with children or youth, or programs for youth.
Books for Babes was the first to receive a donation. Grace Huisman and Elaine Dickie happily accepted a $200 cheque on behalf of the program.
The program began many years ago, said Huisman, and is available to families who have just had a child. When the family brings their child for immunization, they are given a coupon. They bring this coupon to the Barrhead Public Library, where they receive a book and a free membership for a year.
“When the baby turns one, they get a letter from me wishing them a happy birthday, and inviting them to come back to the library for a second book,” said Huisman. “Parents can come in and pick out a book for their child’s first birthday.”
Options include action rhyming books, alphabet books, “First 100 Things” books, along with various other picture and story books suitable for a one-year-old.
“On behalf of the Barrhead Public Library, thank you very much,” said Dickie. “This will help us reach more families with books.”
Hillcrest had another $200 donation for Children’s World Child Care Society, the daycare just behind the lodge. Oswald said the children at the daycare have been coming to visit residents off and on for the past 20 years.
“This year we wanted to give to them so they could purchase something for the daycare that is from us,” she said. “We’re happy to help them out.”
Hillcrest not only decided to continue donating to children and youth organizations, but contribute to the 2013 55+ Summer games as well. Another $200 cheque was given to game representatives Gerry St. Pierre and Carol Lee.
Pierre said he is encouraged by the fact Hillcrest’s priorities are donating and helping out the youth in the community.
“Just bear in mine that at 55 to 60 or so, we still consider ourselves rather youthful,” he smiled. “The 55+ Games are a huge undertaking, and a very prestigious project for both communities of Barrhead and Westlock. What is most encouraging is seeing these two communities, who have been such bitter rivals in hockey and other sports, work so well together to put on this fantastic event in next July.”
In addition to the bottle drive, Hillcrest also has a couple of other programs throughout the year that generate funds for the Food Bank and the FCSS Hot Lunch Program.
This year, $600 was collected for the Food Bank through Men’s and Lady’s breakfasts. The breakfasts are hosted alternating months, and the people who participate give the lodge $1.
“Through that dollar we raised $600 for the Food Bank,” said Oswald.
The Annual Fall Tea held every Nov. raised $200 for the Hot Lunch Program as well. Ros Rudd accepted the cheques on behalf of FCSS.
“We wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for what you do for us and our programs,” said Rudd, holding a bouquet. “We have come bearing flowers for you, just as a token to say thank you so much for what you do.”
The remaining $1,400 will go back to Hillcrest’s own recreational use.
This year Hillcrest decided to add in something a little different. Along with the donations, the lodge also recognized the some individuals in the community who have been particularly generous and helpful.
For the past 25 years, Flower Lane has been donating carnations to the lodge for birthday parties. Comfort Corner has also helped the lodge throughout the years, said Oswald. The shop donated a cabinet, which houses a collection of model vehicles. Both local businesses will be receiving a certificate of appreciation.
Oswald said there is a wonderful group of women at the Barrhead Co-op pharmacy who have provided a birthday cake for Hillcrest’s monthly birthday parties over the past two years. The women not only provide the cake, but come help serve it and sing.
“It’s our pleasure to come down every month and celebrate the residents’ birthdays,” said Esther Lane, accepting a plaque on behalf of the pharmacy. “We enjoy it.”
Lastly, Oswald called up two individuals who she said donated many memorable and antique items to Hillcrest, making the lodge a better and homier place to be.
“We would also like to recognize two people who have donated wonderful things for our home,” said Oswald. “They donated the spoon collection on the wall, and have donated throughout the complex items of, which I call, love.”
With that, she called Harold and Carol Werner to receive plaque. The couple gladly accepted the recognition, and thanked the lodge.
Oswald said throughout the whole year Hillcrest has had some very generous people in the community contribute to making the lodge a better place. Now, as the bottle drive completes another year, it’s time for Hillcrest to return the favour.
“Those people have given to us throughout the whole entire year. The community comes in and helps us,” said Oswald. “Now it’s time for us to help the community.”
