NEWS RELEASE
SPRUCE HILL LODGE
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Spruce Hill Lodge - also known as Dome Transitional - is celebrating 20 years of providing quality care to independently living seniors at its present location - the former Porcupine General Hospital. To celebrate, an open house barbecue will be held on June 2, 2018 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Invitations have been extended to former and present board members, volunteers, former residents and families and community supporters. The lodge remains a not for profit retirement home open to individuals 50 years of age and older.
Spruce Hill Lodge was started by members of the hospital Ladies Auxiliary after the closure of the South Porcupine hospital. The new endeavour was supported by the Dome Mine and local South Porcupine businesses and individuals. The lodge opened in 1998 before Christmas with three residents. The volunteers made a Christmas dinner for the residents and shared their Christmas with them. In the early days the volunteers were the mainstay fundraisers and workers of the lodge, cooking, cleaning, holding teas, dinners, fashion shows and baking pies and wonderful shortbread.
From these humble beginnings, the lodge today can provide room/board and care for 62 or 63 independently, living individuals. The lodge is now accredited by the Residential Retirement Home Association, has 25 staff, recreational programs, volunteer musicians and organizations. Expansion and renovations have been supported by Kidd Creek Mine, Goldcorp, and other local businesses.
Recently a partnership has happened with the Porcupine Kinsmen to provide assistance with upgrades and a home for their meetings.
Vi Bradbury, a present-day board member and original volunteer, remembers fondly the days of providing meals. Many people comment that the Lodge “feels like home” and enjoy living there. Present Board Chair Rob Galloway would like to thank the many people for their dedication over the years. Some were involved for many years. Laurie Krznaric and Sandra Tuomi, Tom Laughren, Helen Child and many volunteer board members over the years. Also, a special thanks to many dedicated staff today and previously who have always gone way beyond their duties for Spruce Hill. Thank you.
Looking forward to the next 20 years despite the challenges, like upgrades to building and services, continue to make it a homey affordable, nice place that people like to live
Looking forward to having you join us on June 2 for our celebration.
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