Meet some generous donors from our community who are helping to build the new Dundas Manor.
Iroquois Giving Day
Iroquois, Ontario is a friendly town, and its residents like to make a difference. And they certainly did during Iroquois Giving Day earlier this fall. It was an initiative inspired by Carolyn Froats, owner of The Hair Studio Family Hair Care, along with stylists Marion Hutchison and Kim Lambert. Together, they encouraged other businesses in the Iroquois Plaza to join the effort to raise funds for the new Dundas Manor.
It began with Tracy Easter of Coconut Bash who donated 40% of her sales for one month, resulting in a $400 donation. The Hair Studio Family Hair Care team donated $925 from haircuts, tips and yard sale items. And finally, The Country Blossom joined in, donating $100 from used book sales and a personal donation.
Sherry’s in Williamsburg
It’s amazing how little things add up!
Over the past few months, there has been a donation bin at Sherry’s Store in Williamsburg – front and centre so customers couldn’t miss it. Owner Sherry Mowat and her daughter Kayla Helliker asked customers to donate their spare change to help build the new Dundas Manor. And they did!
“We have a great community and they stepped up for a great cause,” says Sherry.
But things didn’t stop there. Sherry chose to match everything donated by her customers. And the grand total is $1,624!
Chevaliers de Columb Conseil 7743 in Marionville
The Chevaliers de Colomb Conseil 7743 in Marionville has been supporting local communities since 1981. Their website explains that Knights of Columbus members lead a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living.
Now, they are supporting residents at Dundas Manor – to live their best life too. Recently, two members from the Marionville club stopped by the Dundas Manor construction site to check out the new building and present a cheque for $1,000.
“The Knights of Columbus Marionville, Council 7743 is pleased to donate $1,000 for the construction of the new Dundas Manor. Our organization is a great supporter of community events and projects,” notes Réal Aubé, Secretary of Council and Treasurer Francois Marion.
Don Johnston
Don Johnston has lived, worked and volunteered in North Dundas for most of his life. Everyone remembers his miniature horses at ‘The Other Place’ farm and Don was a 25 plus-year member of the Mountain Township and District Lions Club, including serving as Acting President. In that role, Don set up a presentation about the new Dundas Manor – and he was one of the first to donate to the campaign.
At the Lions Club presentation, Don shared that his mother had lived at Dundas Manor many years ago. Activity and Services Director Jennifer Hill noted that she remembered his mother as a kind and thoughtful woman and recalled that Don had visited her every day. Don says he was blown away. “She remembered my mother’s name and her spirit, even after 15 years,” Don says. “I wanted to give a donation to ensure this special care will continue in the new home.”
Don says his mother was hesitant to move to Dundas Manor. “I would take her out on Fridays for a meal at a local restaurant or at my farm,” he says. “The day she said ‘I want to go home’ and it was to her new home at Dundas Manor. I knew she was happy. She never had a negative thing to say about it and she made some good friends there.”
“We never know what life has in store,” sums up Don. “If I needed to live there, I’d be more than happy to move in. For the community, this new home will be a blessing to so many families and future residents.”
Dundas County Dairy Producers
Lauree Laing
Lauree Laing works at Dundas Manor and says she is inspired by the residents every day. She is known for her beautiful long grey hair that goes well below her waist. Now she’s known for her cute short bob! Lauree collected $1,230 in pledges leading up to cutting her hair more than a foot, from her waist to her chin. She surpassed her goal of $1,000.
Lauree understands the need for a new home and previously raised more than $150 for the new home by selling hollyhock seeds.
Dwayne Holmes
Dwayne Holmes has sported a beard since 1972. In fact, his daughter can’t remember him without a beard and his grandkids have never seen him without it. But he took it all off in support of the new Dundas Manor. Dwayne collected $3,430 in pledges leading up to the big shave., surpassing his goal of $3,000!
Dwayne is one of the founders of the WDMH Foundation. He has been raising funds for WDMH for many years, and now also supports the Dundas Manor campaign.
Rotary Club of Chesterville & District
Committed to Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Chesterville & District has given several generous donations to help build the new Dundas Manor – including the proceeds from their Duck Derby over the past three years. In 2024, the donated $1,600 to the campaign and another $1,600 for the Family Care Fund at WDMH.
“Thank you to everyone who bought tickets for our annual fundraiser. We couldn’t do this without you,” noted Rotary President David Baerg. “It was an easy choice to pick the WDMH Foundation, as many of us will need Dundas Manor and all of us need the hospital!”
Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration Has Joined the Dream!
Neal Bartholomew of Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration knows a thing or two about buildings. He also knows the quirks of the current Dundas Manor. That’s why Neal and his wife Kelly are happy to support the new Dundas Manor – and the building of a brand-new, efficient home for all the residents and staff.
“We have no personal connection to the Manor, but my company does service work there and we see why a new Dundas Manor is needed every time we do a call,” explains Neal. “It was an easy decision to donate to the campaign. It’s time for a new Dundas Manor!”
Neal grew up in the area and he and his family now lives in Winchester. “It’s nice to know that we will have a new long-term care home in our area that will be comfortable and up to date. We are excited to be part of the future of Dundas Manor.”
Muriel and Stewart Carruthers
Every birthday is a great reason to celebrate – but Stewart Carruthers’s 80th birthday was made even more special with meaningful gifts from family and friends. Stewart and his wife Muriel invited everyone to give back to the community with a donation to the new Dundas Manor. And they did!
The Carruthers asked guests to forgo cards or gifts because they didn’t need a thing. “We had a generic box on the birthday table for anonymous monetary gifts and put campaign donation cards beside the box. We were pleased with – and proud of – the many family members who contributed!” In addition, as a birthday gift to himself and the Manor, Stewart made his own substantial donation to further the cause.
“We encourage everyone to continue supporting the Dundas Manor,” sum up Muriel and Stewart. “The construction has started and as the building comes to fruition, there will be additional funds needed to make this building a special home.”