The Pines Memorial and Development Society, with the help of the Siega family, have completely re-vamped the Sun Room at the Kimberley Special Care Home (The Pines).
The Pines Memorial and Development Society is a non-profit organization that receives funds through memorial donations from residents, families and community members. From the donations, funds are provided to The Pines to purchase a variety of comfort items that enhance the lives of the residents such as, furnishings, activity supplies, televisions, musical instruments, barbecues, special landscaping projects and more. These comfort items and projects are funded entirely separately from Interior Health.
The board of the society is comprised of members who have or had family living at the Pines, volunteers of the Pines, past employees and others who have an interest in the care home and the well-being of those who live there.
Sandy Siega, who’s mother was a resident at The Pines, spoke at the ceremony where she described the room before the renovation.
“It had pink walls and pink carpet, with long pink dusty drapes,” said Sandy. “I am so excited that the room is open and that we are able to leave a legacy in the memory of our parents Leo and Grace Siega.”
Both of Sandy’s parents grew up in Kimberley and Sandy says they were very proud to be part of such a “great community”.
“My dad spent a lot of time coming to the Pines to visit friends and neighbours and he always enjoyed the entertainment that was here,” Sandy said. “My mom was a resident last February and passed away in April. The care she received here was second to none; the staff treated her with such kindness, respect and compassion.
“On her last day here the staff were able to get her bed down to the sunroom where I spent the last afternoon with her. The view was so beautiful from these windows but I thought the room was a bit grim. This inspired us to work with the Pines Memorial and Development Society to make a donation to make a difference for the residents and their families by bringing a bit of the beautiful view inside to brighten their day.”
What was once a dated, pink room has become a modern, bright, blue space where residents can visit with family, play a game of cards, share a meal or simply enjoy the view.
Lane Koshlay, who works maintenance at The Pines coordinated the painting and the flooring while Rick Plouffe from Cranbrook flooring installed the floors, Bridge Interiors helped with the furniture and Sandy’s Blinds installed the blinds.
“We could not have accomplished this without the assistance of Carol Roche, treasurer of the Pines Memorial Society, who spent countless hours assisting with selecting the furnishings and following up,” Sandy said. “Our wish, from John and I and Aria, is that the residents and their families enjoy this room and that it provides a bit of a bright spot in the years to come.”
Donations can be made directly to the Pines Memorial and Development Society c/o Bev Banks, 372-108 Ave., Kimberley, BC, V1A 1C6.