Our Place has always been a special place for the clients, staff and supporters of Rivercity Inclusion and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on its new recreation and leisure space on Thursday, July 25 spoke to the long and powerful history of the both the building and the organization.
The remodel of the space for Rivercity Inclusion's Recreation & Leisure Program is located out of their building at 1153 Greenwood St. This building was actually fundraised for and built, in part, by the Rotary Club back in 1972. Our Place is the original name of the building which the participants themselves chose as they finally had a space to call their own.
"Our Place has been transformed, as I've been told a few times over the years, to meet the changing needs of our society. And that is why we are here today to celebrate its newest purpose, which is the home of our Recreation and Leisure Program," said Rachael Weaver, executive director of Rivercity Inclusion (formerly known as the Campbell River and District Association for Community Living [CRADCL]).
About four years ago, it was recognized that a bigger and better space was needed for the program which supports Rivercity Inclusion's senior adults who have moved from employment into retirement. A growing number of these clients have mobility challenges and rely on walkers and wheelchairs to move around, Weaver said. Most importantly, there was a need for a more accessible washroom. It was determined that the space that formerly housed administration offices would fit the bill with a few renovation tweaks.
Thursday's ceremony was an opportunity to thank all involved in the completing the project but also those who helped fund it, the federal government, the Rotary Club of Campbell River and the family of two much-loved clients of Rivercity Inclusion now no longer with us, Walter and Danny Dion.
Walter and Danny Dion, whose parents were one of CRADACL/Rivercity Inclusion’s founding families in 1963, spent much of their lives attending programs in this space. Many in the community knew these gentlemen as they were incredibly popular and widely recognized in Campbell River. They were often referred to as “the twins” even through they were actually separated in birth by a couple of years. Both have sadly passed away, but they lived wonderful and long lives. Walter and Danny spent their later years as active participants in the Recreation & Leisure Program. As such, members of the Dion family also wanted to contribute to the remodel, as the program was so meaningful to the brothers.
In loving memory of Walter & Danny Dion
This new space was made possible by the generosity of the Rotary Club of Campbell River, the Dion Family and the Government of Canada
