The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre continues to deliver its Continuing Arts Recollective Experience (CARE) program, designed to enrich the lives of elderly community members through engaging art activities. Collaborating with Upper Canada Lodge and Pleasant Manor, the program adapted to the pandemic by transitioning to a remote delivery model. This involves monthly distribution of individually-packed art-making kits, accompanied by video tutorials. To date, over 590 kits have been provided, featuring projects like memory collages and weaving techniques.
Kristin Mechelse, Program Manager at Upper Canada Lodge, shared, “The monthly donation of art supplies and instructions from the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is greatly appreciated by our residents and staff. The unique art projects can be facilitated by our Recreation staff in small groups or one-on-one, and are adaptable for many residents with minimal assistance. These projects provide a creative outlet and are often cherished as keepsakes. We eagerly anticipate each new project.”
CARE Program Receives Support from Community Partners
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is excited to announce a generous $6,000 sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, supporting the CARE program. This vital funding highlights the ongoing efforts to enrich the lives of elderly community members, many of whom face physical and mental challenges, including dementia.
The Rotary Club presented the cheque at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, solidifying their commitment to enhancing community well-being. “We are proud to support the CARE program,” stated Chris Hatch, Chair of Community Service for the Rotary Club. “Art offers joy and therapeutic benefits, aligning perfectly with our mission.”
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre also acknowledges the generosity of the Niagara Lions Club, whose recent contribution ensures the continued operation of the CARE program.
Rima Boles, Art Centre Director, expressed her gratitude: “The support from the Rotary Club and Niagara Lions Club is invaluable. The CARE program has been transformative for our elderly participants, fostering creative expression, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being. This funding ensures we can continue making art accessible to all, especially those who benefit most from its therapeutic and social benefits.”
Mechelse also expressed appreciation for the support, saying, “We are very grateful for this wonderful donation and partnership. I sincerely thank the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Lions Club for truly making a difference in the lives of our residents by providing creative ways to engage them in meaningful art projects.”
Media Contact: Aimee Medina, marketing@niagarapumphouse.ca
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence our name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. We give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
About Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary
Rotary is where neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world. Our members pour their passion into completing projects that have a lasting impact.
Our club has been involved in numerous local & international projects: from eradicating polio; providing shelter, clean water and food; to improving medical facilities; and many more. Projects address priority needs identified by the communities they serve, to help people to help themselves, using environmentally sustainable practices.
