From cleaning up courtyards to planting flowers, a volunteer organization is beautifying healthcare facilities in Lloydminster.
Blooms for Healthcare started three years ago by Don Whittaker and Ed Anderson as a way to help facilities who were struggling with the maintenance of their yards. Volunteer Ed Andersen says they want they want the flowers they plant to cheer up visitors and patients of the facilities.
“Really this is about engaging the community and beautifying the health facilities in town, making it a nicer, friendlier place for individuals that need that type of service.”
Andersen says that he and Whittaker both worked in health services so giving back to the same industry is important to them.
Last year, the Lloydminster and District Co-op partnered with the organization to sponsor three community groups to help plant at one of the facilities.
“This year, for example, we’ve had two schools through the Co-op come and help plant and then they’ll be one project later in September for cleaning up all the plant material,” says Andersen.
The volunteers have already finished their planting for this year, starting with the Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre on May 23 and finishing with Dr. Cooke Extended Care on Monday. The organization also takes care of the yards at the Lloydminster Hospital, Home Care and Jubilee Home.
People can donate to the organization through the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation and the funds will be given directly to Blooms for Healthcare to cover costs of planting materials and such.