Rotary guest discusses progress with Memory Garden

Posted by Terry Comeau 
on Aug 26, 2011
 
 Portage Rotary Club had an opportunity to learn more about the work of Sunset Palliative Care Inc. when it met for its weekly luncheon at Canad Inns in Portage la Prairie Tuesday.

With Sunset Palliative Care, Pat Chimney said the organization has been busy with its projects and is progressing into more work with the Memory Garden located at Island Park.

 "We have decided to start the second phase which was the Memory Wall," said Chimney on the Memory Garden development. "Now that we have completed that, it just has to be put in place."

Chimney, who is the volunteers' co-ordinator with Sunset Palliative Care, said the next step is working on the third phase of the project, which is installing a sturdy, decorative fence around the garden and extending the brick pathway.

"It's a big project," she said.

Back in June the Memory Garden at Island Park was damaged by some individuals who road their bikes through it. A number of trees were also broken apart.

But the garden has since been restored to its original beauty.

The garden offers a place where those who may be bereaved can sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and think about their loved ones who have passed away.

Sunset Palliative Care is now working on erecting a Memory Wall near the garden, which is expected to go up sometime in the fall. Those who are having loved ones names listed on the wall have made a contribution to help fund the project. So far, plans are for the wall to list 30 names.

The cost of the wall is roughly about $6,700, but Guinn and Simpson Memorials is providing a discount of $3,000 to help the project as a gift in kind.

As each additional name is added to the wall, the cost of the project increases.

Sunset Palliative Care is also aiming to erect a wrought iron fence to protect the Memory Garden and is in need of funding for this work.

The organization is also still looking for donations to help cover the cost of an extension of the pathway by the garden.

Chimney hopes those who visit the Memory Garden project will be reminded of the services offered by Sunset Palliative Care, as there is a sign erected in front of the garden with information on contacting the organization.

"One of the biggest things is that palliative care in society is something people don't want to think about," she said. "This brings it right to mind if they are in the garden or the park or the playground and they see this sign. Immediately they can see it and get information. It's right there."

Story courtesy Angela Brown and the Portage daily Graphic.