Grants News

District 21 grant supports memory boxes for long-term care residents

Jun 10, 2022

In long-term care, memory boxes can improve the lives of residents, helping them feel more at home in their new environment. Now, thanks to a $2,500 grant in 2021 from District 21 Renfrew, the Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior can fund the construction of memory boxes for their new 96-bed facility.

For the project, District 21 is partnering with the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation and the Arnprior and McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed.

The District 21 funding is part of RTOERO’s annual Community Grants program. Districts apply for individual projects (education-related or other community initiatives) that support local programs. Up to $2,500 per project is available.

Since 1968, RTOERO has been a voice for those who work in and retire from the education sector. Our mission is to improve the lives of our members and seniors.

“The boxes help all residents in long-term care, especially those living with dementia. They help people to find their room, and facilitate the display of precious memories and keepsakes,” says Rosemary Cammaert, president, District 21 Renfrew.

Each year, a committee of RTOERO members assesses the merits of each Grant submission. For 2021, RTOERO funded 31 projects for a total of $79,885. Since the inception of the Community Grants program 21 years ago, RTOERO has donated $1.85 million to more than 525 programs and projects.