submitted by Jane Adams
Bea Wigney – or Bebe as everyone knows her – comes from a family of six sisters and three brothers. And through the years, they’ve always come together to have a lot of fun. So, when Bea heard about The Grand Parade, she was all in. And she knew her family would be too.
The Grand Parade is set for Saturday, September 16th. It’s a family-friendly fundraising walk in support of the new Dundas Manor. Team captains can sign up online and create teams of friends and family to raise funds and walk together. The walk – 2.5 or 5 kilometres – winds through Winchester.
“When Cindy called, I immediately said yes,” explains Bea. “The Bebe’s Beauties team includes two of my sisters, three of our daughters and a couple of nieces. Some of the other family members can’t do the walk, but we’ll get them involved in making a nice donation!”
The family’s connection to Dundas Manor is strong. Bea’s sister Verla lived at the Manor for almost four years and it became home for her. Her brother-in-law also lived there. “Someone from our family was there almost every day to visit,” Bea notes. “They both received excellent care.”
Bea says the need for a new Dundas Manor is clear: “The building is old and a new home is needed for everyone in our community. We see what it did for our family – the staff are amazing, despite the crowded spaces.”
Bebe’s Beauties have already started planning for the big day. “We’ve had one meeting so far and my nieces have lots of great ideas. I even heard something about tutus!” Bea laughs.
Grand Parade walkers start their journey on Fred Street, at the back of where the new home will be located. They will pass by the current Dundas Manor and stop for a rest at Sweet Corner Park downtown. Every walker who raises $150 (adult) or $75 (youth) or more qualifies for a Grand Parade t-shirt. If you are one of the first 100 people to raise $500, you also receive a special hoodie! And, if you would like to walk but don’t want to start a team, please join the WDMH Foundation one!
“This event is an important fundraiser for us for the new Dundas Manor,” explains Cindy Ault Peters, Campaign Assistant. “We hope everyone will come out and join us for a walk around Winchester!”
The estimated cost of the new Dundas Manor is $63 million. The provincial government is providing approximately $45 million. Our campaign goal is $18 million. And we’re well on our way! To date, more than $11.2 million has been given by our generous community. We are so grateful!
For all the details about The Grand Parade, to sign up, or to donate, please visit https://thegrandparade.org/location/winchester.
For more information about the Expanding the Circle of Compassionate Care campaign, please visit www.dundasmanordream.ca or contact the WDMH Foundation team at 613-774-2422 ext. 6162 or 6169.
