Board Chair Muriel Dunnigan, Caritas President Bev Rachwalski, VP Joe MacGillivray, Resident Council Co-Chair Anne Burrows and more than 50 residents, staff and friends were on hand to celebrate the rededication of a newly renovated and expanded Edmonton General chapel.
Muriel noted that the event was a "celebration of the growing legacy of our founding Grey Nuns and Misericordia Sisters, whose rich tradition of holistic and compassionate care is summed up on our mission of 'Healing the Body, Enriching the Mind, Nurturing the Soul.'"
Joe also paid tribute to dedicated volunteer fund raisers Noel Constantin and Melda Agbulos. "Noel approached me last year after the Mother's Day service. He noted that there wasn't enough room for everyone and that that we simply needed to do something about it," Joe recalled.
Noting budget challenges, Noel offered to lend his time to raise funds for the project and Melda soon pitched in as well. "I promised Noel that we'd have the chapel ready by Christmas, "chuckled Joe, "and when you promise a "Noel" something for Christmas, I think you'd better deliver!" Thanks to their hard work and nearly $20,000 in donations, the new chapel was ready for Christmas. A remaining $15,000 is yet to be raised.
Bev also thanked the donors and volunteers and gave credit to the Caritas chaplains who carry the hope found in this chapel throughout our facility. "May you be filled today with the hope and joy that is found in this sacred space," concluded Bev, "and may you feel welcome to return any time to replenish your spirits."
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