A group working to build a francophone seniors community is hosting its second annual fundraising gala as the project nears a major milestone.
There is a “dire need” for Francophone long-term care beds in Ontario, with a shortage of beds and an aging population, according to Lori-Ann Seward, executive director of Communauté du Trille blanc.
“What happens with people when they age is they go back to their mother tongue, so people who experience dementia, for example, may forget how to speak English, although they’ve spoken it all their lives,” she said. “So the need for francophone beds is very important.”
Seward said the planned facility, which feature a long-term care facility as well as other types of housing in an inter-generational village model, would to be open to francophones from beyond York Region.
The group is currently in negotiations for a piece of land in York Region, which is already zoned for a long-term care facility.
One of the main proponents of the project has been Jean Bouchard, a former teacher and principal who was part of the push to establish the first French-language high school in York Region, École secondaire catholique Renaissance, where he was also the first principal.
“Inside of any human being, we, look to help people but at the end I say, well, it's a little bit for me too,” he said. “Yes, I would like to live in that village, I have lived around for 35 years in Ontario.”
Bouchard said he hoped the village model would encourage seniors to make the decision to move out of their homes earlier in life, allowing them to be active in the community. He said he the hope was non-francophones who want to learn the language may also see the appeal of the project.
“This generation is the generation that pushed for French schools in York Region for decades,” said Seward. “So they've taken care of the children now, it's time to take care of our elderly.”
The gala
The Communauté du Trille blanc will be returning to the Royal Venetian Mansion, at 400 Industrial Parkway S., in Aurora on Nov. 8, with the reception starting at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
Last year’s gala raised $20,000 for the project, and Seward said the goal for this year is to raise $30,000.
Tickets for the gala cost $125.
For more information about the gala and mission of Communauté du Trille blanc, visit www.communautedutrilleblanc.ca/gala.
