Abbotsford’s mystic carnivale

Renu Pillay (top left) from Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy Glebe returns as an Abbotsford sponsor and will be giving a presentation there in the fall. Sponsors of Abbotsford’s Mystic Carnivale this year are, (bottom) from left, Branker Xavier and Marianka Berlin from Chartwell Lord Lansdowne, Jennifer Burns from David Burns & Associates, Heather Lafleur from Jack Uppal Real Estate and Bernie Brady from Carmichael Engineering. Hamming it up in the middle is Bruce Hill from Abbotsford!

By Bruce Hill

The fun returns on Thursday, October 12 at the Abbotsford Seniors Centre fund-raising extravaganza! The Mystic Carnivale at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building is being presented by Chartwell Lord Lansdowne and will feature dazzling circus performers, an engaging tarot card reader, a strolling magician and a scrumptious multicourse dinner capped with dancing under the big top!

Since 1975, Abbotsford has been providing people 55 years of age and older with fitness, recreation and artistic programming and clubs as well as lectures and social events. Housed in a beautiful heritage home across from Lansdowne, the Centre caters to over 640 members both in person and on Zoom.

Another important role Abbotsford serves is with its Community Supports Services and Day Away program. The former identifies home support workers and businesses that can help seniors stay at home longer with assistance like meal preparation (Meals on Wheels), companionship, supervision, medical appointment drives and home maintenance services.

The Day Away program provides seniors with early to middle stages of dementia with social and recreational activities. Day Away enables supporting family members respite from providing care.

As many people will know, the municipal and provincial governments cut

$47,000 from Abbotsford’s budget. That required some quick thinking, hence last year’s fundraising gala and this year’s Mystic Carnivale. Event revenue this year will come from ticket sales, charitable donations, a silent auction and corporate sponsorships.

Ottawa’s business community is rallying around Abbotsford on the sponsorship front as evidenced by their presenting sponsor, Chartwell Lord Lansdowne. This retirement

Since 1975, Abbotsford has been providing people 55 years of age and older with fitness, recreation and artistic programming and clubs as well as lectures and social events residence has had a natural connection to Abbotsford since 2008 with their building sitting directly next door. The two organizations are also connected by an underground tunnel, allowing a flow of people between the buildings.

Marianka Berlin, Chartwell’s retirement living consultant, says of the relationship, “We are thrilled to support Abbotsford and the Mystic Carnivale! Our common passion for supporting seniors with quality programming is the backbone of our friendship.”

Jack Uppal, a Royal Lepage broker and Platinum sponsor, has also been very supportive of Abbotsford and is back as a second-year sponsor. “With Abbotsford playing such a pivotal role in the community, our team wants to be part of this solution.”

Other businesses rising to the challenge include Carmichael Engineering, City Lock, David Burns & Associates, Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, McCay Duff LLP, McKeen Metro, Medline, Stinson Fuels and Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy.

Tickets are $135 and can be purchased online at glebecentre.ca. A tax receipt will be issued for a portion of that ticket. For more information about the event, please call Bruce Hill at Abbotsford at 613-238-2727 ext. 316.

See you October 12!

Bruce Hill is director of charitable giving at The Glebe Centre.