Lung Wah is a Chinese restaurant in Quito, Ecuador. A large group had gathered for dinner on a Saturday evening in December 2007. We had just participated in a Christmas party at the Zambiza Dump. I was seated next to Mike Bishop, Director of Human Resources for Extreme Response International. During the meal I mentioned that I was a nurse at a Home for the Aged in Ontario, Canada. Mike explained that he and his wife Carol had taken a little Nursing Home in Quito under their wing, and frequently visited and held programs for the residents. Mike mentioned they were looking for North American Nursing Homes to sponsor this little place. I came away with the thought in the back of my mind, but at that point was unsure how to help.

December 2008, found us back at the Christmas parties in Quito. This time our group from Ontario had the privilege of visiting the little Nursing Home called “Hogar Betañia”. Two other nurses from the facility where I work, were along on the trip.We all came away with our hearts touched by this little group, their surroundings and their needs. Without mentioning my thoughts, the two girls approached me asking if there wasn’t some way our facility could help. We proceeded to inquire about the needs of Hogar Betañia. At the top of their wish list, was physical therapy equipment. While at the Nursing Home we had been especially taken by a wheel chair we had seen. It seemed to have wheel chair wheels, but the seat consisted of a white plastic lawn chair. Not sure it would pass inspection in Ontario. Early in the Spring we discovered that June was actually Seniors month, with the theme this year being “Seniors reaching out to Seniors”. It was a perfect plan for a fund-raiser. With a visual display, and a replica of the wheel chair we had seen as our prop, we conducted our fund-raiser. The event was held on June 14, 2009 at Norview Lodge in Simcoe, Ontario the same day as our annual picnic for residents and their families. Each person making a donation received an Ecuadorian rose, donated by a local florist. Generous donations were received from residents, their families, staff, and volunteers. All donations will be sent via Extreme Response to Quito, Ecuador for the purchase of physical therapy equipment for Hogar Betañia.

Submitted by Kathy Dreyer

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