Hidden Treasures welcomes a new manager

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Scott Pettigrew

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EMC News -Tweed - Most of the volunteers from the Hidden Treasures store in Tweed as well as a number of representatives from Community Care for Central Hastings were on hand to officially welcome Violet (Vi) Sleeper as the new manager.

One of those present to introduce Vi was Wally Sawkins, who is the chairman of the Foundation for Community Care for Centre Hastings and he said the foundation is the fund-raising branch of Community Care.

"We just completed our tenth anniversary and we are very proud of this facility, I was here at the start and part of the planning. We went to Bancroft and Picton where they have a similar program. We needed something rather than nickel and diming and selling a lot of tickets on quilts and so many other little things to help raise money, we felt we needed one main thing as a fund raiser and that is what this store is here to accomplish.

"Our reason for gathering at the store is to introduce Violet who is our new store manager and we are very pleased to have her here. A new broom always sweeps clean and she has many new ideas and new things she brings to the store. This is my first time here since Vi took over the store and I can see she and the volunteers have done a wonderful job, the store is much brighter and feels more open and even smells better. Vi has recruited new volunteers and the team is working very well with Vi. This store runs on the volunteers and we couldn't exist without them."

Community Care must raise $67,000 each year in order to supplement the monies they receive from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The Hidden Treasures store, which accepts donations of household goods and furniture, is vitally important in supporting the seven core programs run by Community Care which are Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Diners Club, Friendly Visiting, Reassurance Calls, Home Maintenance/Home Help and Crisis Intervention. The programs enable seniors and adults with physical disabilities to remain in their homes. In 2010-2011 Community Care delivered a total of 22,582 nutritionally balanced meals, 12,174 hot and 10,408 frozen. They provided 2,702 meals at the Diners Club, clients took 7,169 trips and there were 1,622 visits and/or calls to check on the well-being of clients. There were also 272 interventions in times of crisis and 2,988 visits to homes in order to complete household and maintenance tasks.

Wally Sawkins added, "A good portion of our operating capital comes out of this store along with our Dinner Auction which is coming up on April 28 at the Madoc Township Hall in Eldorado and we usually raise approximately $12,000 from that auction. Tickets will be available shortly at the Hidden Treasures store."

Volunteers are an important part of Hidden Treasures success and they donated 2,686.25 hours at the store this past year.

"We are so grateful for all the help and we are always accepting new volunteers, not only for the store but for all of our programs. If you interested in becoming part of this wonderful team contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator Jennifer at 613-473-9009," said Violet Sleeper.

Community Care for Central Hastings would also like to acknowledge the support the communities provide to the Hidden Treasures store.

"Without donations and purchase of household items the store would not be able to remain open. Through the communities' kindness our dedicated staff of Debbie, Jennifer, Lynn, Noreen, Pat, Val and Veronica, we are able to continue to deliver our much needed services to seniors and adults with physical disabilities living in our community," said Vi.

Vi said she is running a silent auction in February and also that Trinity United Church in Madoc will be hosting the Sounds of Ireland featuring Julian Gallo and Lenni Stewart on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Call the above number for ticket information.







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