The Deep River & District Health (DRDH) Foundation is excited to announce that its ‘Closer to Home’ campaign has reached 80% of its $2.5 million fundraising goal. With just $500,000 left to raise, the campaign is now entering its final push to fund essential furniture and medical equipment for the new Four Seasons Lodge, a 96-bed long-term care home under construction in North Renfrew.
The Four Seasons Lodge, a 70,000-square-foot facility, is set to become a vital resource for the growing demand for long-term care in the region. As the building takes shape, the DRDH Foundation is urging the community to come together to help provide the necessary items that will transform the facility into a welcoming home for future residents.
While the building is nearly complete, there is still a need for key items, including specialty mattresses, medical equipment, and furniture. The dining areas need tables for residents to share meals, family lounges require sofas and chairs for visiting loved ones, and each resident room needs medical monitoring equipment for safe and quality care. James Thompson, the Foundation’s Community Engagement & Fundraising Coordinator, emphasized the importance of these items, saying, “Every piece of furniture and equipment funded by this campaign contributes to someone’s future. These aren’t just beds and chairs; they are spaces where residents will create memories, share stories, and live with dignity and comfort.”
The new long-term care home will play a crucial role in addressing the increasing need for long-term care in North Renfrew. As the local population ages, more families are facing challenges in finding appropriate care for their loved ones. By supporting the ‘Closer to Home’ campaign, donors are helping keep families together and improving access to high-quality long-term care in the region.
There are many ways to support the campaign, from one-time donations of cash, cheques, or credit card payments to more creative options like donating publicly traded shares, bonds, or real estate. Donors can also choose to spread their contribution over several years to maximize tax benefits. Several of the campaign’s largest donations have come through these methods. For those wishing to leave a lasting legacy or honor a loved one, there are dedication opportunities available for key areas of the Four Seasons Lodge, including dining areas, activity rooms, and gardens. Major donors will also be recognized on the Legacy Builders donor wall inside the lodge, a tribute to those who have made a significant impact on the facility’s future.
With only 20% of the goal remaining, the DRDH Foundation is calling on the community to help complete the campaign and make the Four Seasons Lodge a home where future residents can feel safe, comfortable, and supported. “As we approach the final stretch, we’re asking everyone to invest in the future of our community,” said James Thompson. “Together, we can ensure that the residents of the Four Seasons Lodge will have everything they need to feel at home.”
The DRDH Foundation is grateful for the generous support that has brought the ‘Closer to Home’ campaign this far. With just a few weeks left to reach the goal, now is the time to make a lasting impact that will benefit the community for years to come. To donate or learn more about how you can contribute, visit drdhfoundation.com, email foundation@drdh.org, or call 613-584-3333 x7140. Your support can help bring comfort, dignity, and care to the residents of the Four Seasons Lodge.
(Written by: Emma Butler)