It’s been a difficult year for the Bond Head Women’s Institute, as it has been for many other organizations.
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of most programs and fundraisers, and Women's Institute members were able to meet only once in 2021, in November.
At that meeting, they agreed to continue a very special tradition, of personal giving to provide a Christmas treat for the residents of LOFT Community Service’s Bradford House, an assisted living residence for seniors and others at risk of homelessness.
Back in 2019, the Women’s Institute put together gift bags for the residents, each containing a warm hat, mitts, socks, personal care items and treats.
When COVID hit, the Bond Head Women's Institute decided to give money instead of gifts, and let staff and residents choose themselves how best to spend it. La Rocca Creative Cakes of Richmond Hill added to the festivities, by donating cakes.
The residents of Bradford House chose to hold a pizza party.
The Women’s Institute decided to carry on the tradition in 2021, donating $400 to Bradford House for this year’s pizza party.
“A New Year’s Eve pizza night, that’s what the clients voted for,” said Program Director Carolyn Donaldson, as she accepted a cheque from Women's Institute member Liz Moore.
Donaldson noted that others in the community have also donated, making it possible to provide everything from foot care to movie nights for the clients of LOFT Community Services.
Even as she spoke, the La Rocca Creative Cakes truck pulled in, carrying on its tradition of providing cakes at Christmas for the residents. Maggie So and Phil Gaudet of La Rocca oversaw the delivery of eight full-sized cakes to Bradford House.
“Thank you for partnering with us on what we consider our signature event,” Moore told So and Gaudet.
Currently, there are 50 clients residing at Bradford House – down from full capacity of 54 to ensure that there is space to allow isolating, should there be a COVID outbreak. So far, all staff and clients have avoided illness.
LOFT is in the midst of planning a new ‘Bradford House’, to replace the aging facility at 136 Barrie Street. There are plans to build a four to six-storey building, with 100 units, on property recently donated by the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
In November, the town approved the donation of the site of the St. Mary’s School, at 31 Frederick Street, to LOFT Community Services for the affordable housing development.
LOFT has responded to the support of council and the community of BWG, including the Bond Head Women’s Institute, with gratitude:
“LOFT community Services is grateful to the Bradford Community for their ongoing support through the years. These are very challenging times for our low-income clients, who live with multiple health challenges. Knowing that people in the community care about them and continue to share generously has a big impact on their well-being. We look forward to deepening our roots since the Town of BWG Council has voted to support our Bradford House expansion to meet future needs.”
The non-profit organization will be seeking government funding, as well as financing for the rebuild, expected to cost $33 million, and looking for donations to achieve its vision for future service delivery in Bradford.
The Bond Head Women's Institute celebrated its 101st anniversary in 2021. First started as an organization to promote the health and education of rural women, it continues to support local education, heritage and community projects, under the motto, 'For Home and Country.' Members come from Bond Head, Bradford, Innisfil, Newmarket and surrounding areas.
