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2 he Canadien Champion, Tuesday, November 10, 1998 Clock is ticking for non-profit seniors home By KAREN SMITH The Champion Il cu o Lxkr.i 11(10 r'a11iili'îiî ioIlp tifr î i i l MM nflhy, Il's 1\N. Volunteers working diligently to make thse Milton Millennium Community Residences (MMCR) a reality are in the heart of phase one of their fundraising campaign. The bottom line is that the $5 million project initiated two years ago to build a local residence for senior citizens and others in need of assisted living requires $400,000 by mid-ianuary. "We're looking for substantial amounts, I would say, particular- ly because of the time constraints," said volunteer Audrey Caims. "We're relying on the generosity of individuals and the business community." The project's nine-member board of directors has put up $50,000 of their own money as a down payment for a 1.4-acre piece of land te, build thse residence on the east side of Martin Street north of Mill Street, Ms Caims said. The remaining $400,000 for the property -tIse former land- mark site of the Supersweet mill - must be generated or the deposit will be lost and the project will fold. Serious concern "We're really concernied that we might flot (raise the necessary funds)," she said. 'TIsere's a lot of competition going on for peo- ple's dollars. But we believe this is something that's pretty essen- tial." lundisîing ocîtwoîk. I hey vwill peî konalIy ontac(r i dcflîs, ser- vice clubs, church congregations and businesses. Need commitment "Initially we will seek commitments for gifts and donations to be made by year-end," said Ms Cairns, a member of the board of directors in charge of public relations. If the non-profit project is successful, Milton's physically and cognitively frail elderly will be able to find a home in their own town, contrary to the current situation, she said. Right now there's an immediate need for 60 spaces in an assist- ed living facility in Milton, according to information released by the MMCR. But while there are 861 spaces available in Halton, flot one is in town. "MMCR was conceived to correct the situation of seniors and others requiring assisted living having to leave their homes in Milton, often permanently," Ms Caims said. Guaranteed occupancy She explained the concept of assîsted living is a home-like, group-living arrangement for frail elderly citizens in which a wide range of individualized assistance is available 24 hours a day from professional caregiving staff. Residents are typically considered semi-independent, often needing assistance with many activities of daily living, but are flot long-term bedridden or in need of extended acute medical care. At the MMCR, caregiving staff would deliver assistance as needed wîth an emphasis on resident dignity, independence, autonomny and shared responsibility, Ms Cairns said. An additional donation option includes the sale of up to 20 "right of guaranteed occupancy" units in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 each, Ms Cairns said. Purchasers wouîd have guaranteed occupancy plus a commen- surate reduction in monthly charges, the return of money after moving out and the sale of the rights to another party. The planned project includes 30 bed-sitting rooms and 16 sin- gle-bedroomn apartments with communal dining and other ameni- tics such as a chapel, lounge and activity rooms. The total cost per resident a month is estimated at $1,475 for a bed-sitting room unit and $1,575 for a one-bedroom apartment. TIse building cost for thse site is $3.2 million. If ail goes well, occupancy is slated for the falI, 2000. To make a donation or for more information, contact the MMCR at 693-8592. Calgary-based Bernard Callebaut made histo- ry this past March when he became the first North American to win the Grand Prize at the Festival International du Chocolat in France. A fourth-generation chocolatier, Mr. Callebaut learned his craft at his familys business in Belgium before moving to Canada. In 1983 Mr. Callebaut opened his chocolate factory in Calgary to produce the finest quality choco- lates for the North American market. He now creates over 12 million chocolates annually for a chain of 39 shops in Canada and the United States. Dodnm"tisunique opportumty. Registration $50 per person. Seating is Limited. Register today! Upstairs at Loblaws, Milton Nov. 18, 1 pm - 3 pm. Caii 905-875-6871 75 Nfippissing Road (at Main St) mmum" LJ PSTA 1 R-S LOBLMIS7