Wednesday last week was a special day at the Czorny Alzheimer Centre, as we celebrated the opening of its unique bakery. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors, this sweet addition to the space goes beyond offering delightful treats, it’s a comforting haven for Czorny’s dementia residents to experience the soothing familiarity of a vintage bakery.
The ribbon-cutting event gathered residents, donors, caregivers, staff and volunteers to witness the dream becoming a reality. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of kind-hearted donors and the incredible team who made it happen.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- An anonymous donor
- Ms. Janice Brown
- Canada Youwin Health
- Ms. Louise Chow
- Mr. John and Mrs. Ophie Connor
- Czorny Stewart Family Healthcare Society
- Daley Family Charitable Fund
- Ms. Christine Ho
- Ms. Patsy Hui
- Mr. Philip Lam
- Mrs. Ann Chiyuan C. Lin
- Mr. Tommy Wong
- Ms. Marlene Wood
Your meaningful gifts will significantly enhance the lives of our residents. Kerry Dalla- Vecchia, Recreation Co-ordinator at Czorny, shares, “The bakery is the first of its kind in residential care, and it is what makes Czorny even more special.”
The Czorny Alzheimer Centre looks after over 72 dementia residents. Gifted to Surrey Hospitals Foundation by Marilyn and Chick Stewart in 2017 and now operated by Fraser Health Authority, the centre embodies meticulous care and compassion in its design, fostering a nurturing and comforting environment. It’s more than just a residential care facility; it’s a community that residents can call home.
The new, little old-fashioned bakery is part of a bigger vision crafted by our dedicated staff to provide therapeutic activation and social stimulation for dementia residents. In addition to offering freshly baked treats, it’s a place for residents to enjoy with staff, family, and friends. Czorny’s manager, Gay Pottie, wants everybody to feel welcome, saying, “It doesn’t matter if the residents have mobility issues or specific nutrition needs; we will always cater to their needs.”
Additionally, Czorny’s residents can participate in a baking program where Recreation Therapy staff and volunteers will help them to make assorted baked goods. The goal is to bring back happy memories through the nostalgic scents and sights of baking. This creates a sense of purpose for our residents, resulting in positive impacts.
Thank you to our unstoppable supporters!
With the opening of this nostalgic bakery, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this dream come true. Your contributions not only built a bakery, but they have also created a special space where residents can find comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. You have helped create sweet memories for the patients and their loved ones here.
