Going all out at Abbotsford this fall!

By Pat Goyeche

What a busy place Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre is this fall. Classes are in full swing in person and online, our Speakers Series is underway, and the house is buzzing with members and volunteers.

We are also gearing up for some major fundraising with the help of local businesses and individuals who are sponsoring our upcoming gala on Wednesday, October 19. We feel very fortunate that so many local businesses and community members are keen to support our efforts to remain relevant and thriving in the face of challenging funding cuts.

A Night to Remember
Fundraising Gala

Join with friends and neighbours on Wednesday, October 19 at the Horticultural Building to celebrate Abbotsford House’s community impact and 150 years since the construction of our home.

This event will have a live 16-piece orchestra featuring dance music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, dinner and a silent auction, all for the price of $125 per ticket. Come with a friend or solo as we have tables of eight for you to join.

COVID protocols will be in place for this event. Net proceeds will help offset 2023 City of Ottawa funding cuts.

Tickets are still available, so do not miss out. Call Bruce Hill, our director of Charitable Giving, at 613-238-2727 (ext. 316) for tickets.

FINE FINDS Fundraiser

This grand affair will be open to the public and held on the ground floor of Abbotsford House on Saturday, November 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. We will be featuring art, jewellery and elegant one-of-a-kind treasures that are “new” to Abbotsford. Every item is individually priced and can be purchased by a ticket holder on a first come, first serve basis.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a limited number of other attendees over a glass of wine and canapés. Your $20 ticket can be purchased by calling Abbotsford Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 613-230-5730.

The items on offer have never been displayed at any of our previous sales; they are unique and “new to you:”

• Home made crafts, ornaments, baby clothes, knit wear and other clever and creative gift ideas.
• Handmade teddy bears and other delightful comfort creatures.
• Home-baked goodies including frozen apple pies to go.
• Tea Room to restore, chat and enjoy the comfort of food and friends.

Our volunteers have been working hard to create brand new beautiful items for you and your family. Find your FINE FINDS and support your local seniors centre. You won’t want to miss this day!

Abbotsford Holiday Craft Fair

It will be held this year on Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abbotsford House. More details to come.

Help with Snow

It’s that time of year again when we have to start thinking about the white stuff falling from the sky and accumulating on our driveways and sidewalks! The City of Ottawa, in conjunction with the community support agencies, can help you to find the help you need.

Snow Go: Screened snow contractors who are insured and have undergone a police reference check.

Snow Go Assist: People with low-incomes, as defined by the City of Ottawa ($31,500 gross income for an individual or $39,200 gross income for a household) are able to apply for a rebate of up to 50 per cent of the cost of snow removal, up to a maximum of $250.

Applications can be obtained from Abbotsford Community Support Services. Proof of income as well as a signed contract from a snow contractor must be provided. Telephone 613-230-5730 or contact Kirsten at kobrien@glebecentre.ca.

Tablet Project

Abbotsford House is pleased to offer our Tablets Lending Project to seniors so that they can stay better connected with family, friends and community programs. Along with the loan of the tablets, we offer training on how to send emails, browse the Internet, join a Zoom meeting, make video calls or whatever else you wish to learn.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. For more information about the Abbotsford Tablet Lending Project, please contact Shirley Lee at slee@glebecentre.ca or 613-230-5730.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization that includes a 254-bed long-term care home.

Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca.

Pat Goyeche is coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford.