Residents at The Views in Comox are getting a little brighter holiday season thanks to a new lighting display.
The lights, shaped like stars, adorn an entrance way and are to be a new tradition for the seniors’ residence called Lights of Hope, courtesy of the St. Paul’s Foundation.
“As a dedicated partner, St. Paul’s Foundation is proud to support and fundraise for The Views at St. Joseph’s,” St. Paul’s Foundation president and CEO Dick Vollet said in a news release. “We are also happy to bring Lights of Hope to The Views and look forward to working together to grow this new Christmas tradition for the Comox Valley community.”
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The Lights of Hope are similar to the familiar twinkling stars at the entrance to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver every Christmas season since 1998. Two years ago, St. Paul’s Foundation started the project to light up Providence Health Care’s six long-term care and assisted living homes, as well as Mount Saint Joseph and Holy Family Hospitals, in Vancouver. This year, they brought the lighting idea over to the Comox Valley. The display was erected earlier this month.
“This is new for us here at The Views,” said Jane Murphy, president and CEO of Providence Living. “They just bring a little sparkle and light.”
The display aims to brighten up the season for residents at The Views. During a phone interview, Murphy talks frequently about hope, even during this darkest time of the year and in the midst of a pandemic when anyone, especially seniors, can feel socially isolated.
“It’s been a challenge, particularly in long-term care,” she said.
In the news release, Murphy noted the generosity of the community throughout the pandemic, which has included funding for programs, initiatives and equipment to help with resident care along with gifts such as outdoor lights and decorations.
“We’ve been so touched by the outpouring of support,” she added. “Each gift makes a real difference and is so appreciated.”
The St. Paul’s Foundation, working with the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, will be developing “integrated, far-reaching fundraising campaigns” for Providence Living’s social model of care and support for The Views redevelopment project.
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The new year should be bringing more news, Murphy said. Providence expects to be finalizing its project team to move ahead on procurement for the project to establish the new dementia village at the old St. Joseph’s site. The plan is to begin design work in the coming year, followed by construction at the site.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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