Winnipeg’s Canadian Tire Dealers are proud to sponsor the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation’s Around the World in 80 Days fundraiser, helping support fun and fitness at every age. Misericordia Place is a personal care home where residents have managed to stay fit, experience the world and raise funds for their community, all from the safety of home.
The team at Misericordia Place wanted to improve the morale and fitness levels of its 100 residents during the pandemic, so they asked everyone to pick their dream destinations. From March 2 to May 20 (a full 80 days), the residents are participating in exercise therapy by walking, pedalling, wheeling and taking part in physical activities, earning “kilometres” toward a virtual visit to their dream destination.
These visits are being conducted via video, slideshows, FaceTime calls and through in-person themed events, such as a Luau for one resident wanting to travel to Hawaii. Another, who dreamed of seeing wildlife in the Canadian Arctic, had a unique video conference with zookeepers who regularly care for polar bears.
As these residents travel the world virtually, donations have been pouring in for the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation. Their aim is to raise $80,000 overall, with a $1,000 goal for each day of the campaign. The organization already has a head start thanks to the generosity of Winnipeg Canadian Tire Dealers, who joined forces to match donations up to $40,000.
"The Around the World in 80 Days journey so far has been filled with delightful moments,” Misericordia’s recreation services manager, Jennifer Klos, told the Winnipeg Free Press. “These are all special experiences that our residents won’t forget any time soon."
If you are interested in donating to the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation, visit misericordiafoundation.com.