Creighton Lodge continues to see support come through the doors of the retirement living complex.
The lodge received three more donations recently that will help keep the renovations coming to the aging building.
The lodge has been under the operation of a group of surrounding rural municipalities since the health region ceased operating it in the fall.
Manager Judy Pratt said Creighton Lodge is "essential" to the southeastern Saskatchewan area, and noted a lengthy waiting list for the Estevan facility.
"What we're going to do now is update the building," she said. "It's an extremely old building. The whole building needs a facelift with painting. I want to tackle the kitchen next."
With the lodge full and people waiting to get in, Pratt said she is hoping to get some major refurbishing done to the dining hall by removing a wall and getting a lot more space to accommodate their large numbers. At the present time, there are 45 residents in Creighton Lodge.
They have already replaced $10,000 worth of windows in the building, but Pratt added there are still 106 windows, or about $52,000 worth, to be replaced. Those replacements are made as funds become available.
All new furniture for the dining area is something they are looking for. Pratt noted the furniture in the lounge is too soft and doesn't provide the support the residents need, so furniture is a must as it ages as well.
"What we have here is a mishmash of furniture. Some of it came when the family of a new resident comes in. They say, 'You want this couch,'" Pratt said, and noted some of the furniture is 30 years old.
The lodge has begun actively fundraising again after a hiatus at the start of the year. They are continuing with the We're Renovatin' Creighton campaign. Donations of $5,000 or more will be enough to renovate a suite and give the donor naming rights for the room.
Renovations include replacing baseboards and linoleum, as well as installing tub surrounds as more residents like to shower. New toilets, sinks, fridges, stoves are all set to be replaced and vanities are to be installed. Pratt said they won't do any unnecessary work. If the sink is in good working order, for example, it wouldn't be replaced.
A concern besides the upkeep of the building is to maintain activities for the residents. Pratt said the residents are a savvy and active bunch and providing them with entertainment and things to do is something they need to keep on top of everyday.
For the spring they are planning a vegetable garden in the back of the property. Two L-shaped beds are going to be raised about two feet off the ground with concrete walls. These gardens will be about five feet deep and grow vegetables, which Pratt hopes can then be used in the kitchen. She's looking for volunteers to help out with the garden.
It's these kinds of initiatives that keep the residents of Creighton Lodge active.
"These people want to participate in things like gardening."
Volunteers in other areas are something Pratt is always on the lookout for. The lodge gets musical guests to entertain, and some people to come in and go through some exercises, but she hopes to have more. Volunteers who can run fitness programs, organize game days or perform music are in demand.
"We're always looking for people to help us out with that."
Those looking to volunteer may call Pratt at 634-4154.
