Wheelchair-bound seniors will find the Warman Seniors Drop-in Centre a more welcoming place later this year thanks to a $13,858.34 donation from the Warman Tim Hortons ‘Smile Cookie’ campaign.
A colourful cheque was presented to the Warman Seniors Centre executive and membership by Janna Dutton, owner of the two Tim Hortons restaurants in Warman on Wednesday, May 22.
Warman Seniors Centre President Ross Hutchison said the donation from the restaurant is not only gratefully received, but it also comes at a time when the group can really put the money to good use.
The funds will be used to renovate the seniors centre’s two upstairs washrooms to make one of them fully wheelchair accessible.
The upgrade is a priority for the seniors group, according to Warman Seniors Centre Vice-President Rick Smith.
“We’ve been planning this for over a year,” said Smith. “There’s an obvious need. We have a ramp outside so people in wheelchairs can get in the building, but once they’re in, the washrooms are difficult for them to use because they’re too small.
“The plan is to completely rebuild the upstairs washrooms so one of them can accommodate wheelchairs. That will really make this facility more accommodating and welcoming for everyone.”
Smith said the funds from the Smile Cookie donation will cover the entire cost of the renovation.
“It should pay for all the materials,” said Smith. “Our members will be volunteering their labour. We plan on doing the work during the month of July, so it should be completed by August.”
Rentals of the building during the month of July will be restricted to regular groups, added Smith.
“The upstairs washrooms will be out of commission during the remodeling, “ he said. “But we still have two washrooms in the basement that can be used during that month.”
Dutton said the company takes pride in providing funds to deserving community groups through the annual Smile Cookie campaign.
“Every year we get to choose a charity that aligns with the values of our organization,” said Dutton. “Last year, the Warman Seniors Centre came to mind, and we reached out and asked if there was something they were working on, and we were told they were planning a renovation. We got behind the idea and with the support of the community we were able to help make it happen.”
The Warman Seniors Drop-in Centre on Peters Street in Warman is the original railway station built in 1906. The heritage building was purchased by the Warman Seniors association in 1979. The building was moved from its original location by the CN Railway tracks to its present site in the late fall of 1979.
The building was renovated by volunteers in 1980; an addition to the building was built in 2001; and a deck was added in 2003. Upgrades were also made to the kitchen recently.
Smith said the building is an important part of Warman’s history, and the seniors group has plans to continue ensuring it lasts for many more years to come.
“We’re going to be re-doing the flooring next year,” he said. “There’s also a lot of work that needs to be done to the exterior down the road.”