With volunteers preparing servings of sandwiches and pastries in the kitchen, attendees relaxed at their tables, socialized and enjoyed the various pleasantries available, including a 50/50 draw with prizes to be won.

All the food and beverages were donated and prepared by a group of volunteers working with VJS, according to VJS board member Albert Armstrong.

In support of the VJS project, the money raised from the event went directly towards the fund dedicated to turning the retirement home from a dream to reality.

Among the many fundraisers held by VJS every year, the annual Easter Tea is always a popular one among locals and a great way to let them know about their cause, according to Armstrong.

“This gathering really brings everybody out,” said Armstrong. “It helps to really raise awareness about Villa James Shaw. There are very few people who don’t know about it, but there are some. We’ve done a good job so far and I hope it continues.”

Started in 2015, the VJS is a plan to establish a new all-inclusive retirement home in the Pontiac, set to cater to all of people’s living needs in order to make retirement the most comfortable experience possible.

“All the services will be taken care of for you,” said Armstrong. “When people move out of their home, they don’t feel like doing meals anymore. They want to go someplace where all these things are going to be taken care of. [At VJS] meals will be taken care of and nurses will help them administer their medication to show that they’re taking it properly.”

With a largely aging population and not many retirement homes to choose from, the VJS will provide an important service to senior citizens across the region, said Armstrong. He believes many of them are leaving the community in order to satisfy their needs in Gatineau and in the Ottawa Valley.

“This isn’t just for Shawville,” said Armstrong. “It’s for the Pontiac. This is for all the municipalities. With so many people retired that don’t want to be living in their homes, but the Manor in Campbell’s Bay is full, they can’t find some place to go. They’re leaving the communities around the Pontiac and going to Ontario and Gatineau in homes over there.”

The project is set to cost an estimated $9 million, Armstrong estimated. Thankfully, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has agreed to finance up to 95 per cent of the amount necessary.

All that is left is to raise the remaining five per cent, which is quite close to being accomplished. With the help of various fundraisers and numerous donations from people in the community, the VJS has amassed nearly $420,000 out of the $450,000 needed to make up their share of the payment, Armstrong said.

According to VJS president Bill McCleary, an architect is currently examining the property and producing drawings which will give the committee a more precise idea of what the exact number will be.

“We’re waiting on the architect to tell us the total cost,” said McCleary. “Then, we’ll know what our percentage amounts to. He’s working on a plan that when we approve, we’ll know how much it’s worth.”

In total, the third annual Easter Tea raised over $500 from ticket sales and donations, according to event organizer Sue McCleary.

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