By Pam Wheaton
Special to The Star
CORNER BROOK Leaving behind a legacy is an important part of life.
Melvin and Blanche Bragg recently left their bequest — a brand new wheelchair-accessible bus to the Western Regional Hospital Foundation for use at the Corner Brook Long Term Care facility.
On Aug. 16, the bus was driven to the entrance of the facility as an excited group of residents and staff gathered in awe.
The generous gift was given to the Foundation from the will of the Bragg’s, two special Hospital Foundation supporters. The bus is a “planned gift” or an ongoing philanthropic legacy for the donor long after they are gone.
The bus will not only aid in patient appointments, but will enable residents of the facility to opportunity to attend community events and enjoy each others company outside the walls of the long term care home.
One of those residents is Carrie Parsons, originally from Port Blandford, who has been residing on the fourth floor of the home for the last six months. Among her favourites at the home are the recreation activities and the friendly staff.
“They are all kind and gentle people,” she said.
Parsons still has a love of painting and takes full advantage of the painting program, while enjoying the bowling program, bingo, musical socials and now — the bus rides/outings.
She tries to get in an outing once a week as the bus has became an important measure of freedom for residents.
Parsons recently went on a day long outing to Port aux Basques on the bus where she enjoyed a visit with the residents of the long-term care home at Charles LeGrow.
All the residents enjoyed the opportunity, which included a lunch and some musical entertainment, and of course a scenic tour of the surrounding area.
Parsons said she enjoys going wherever the bus takes her — to the park, the shops or the Arts and Culture Centre. She’s proud to ride on the bus, thankful for the gift to the home and is looking forward to many more outings.
“It is nice to have a new bus — it’s much more comfortable and reliable,” she said.
