Opening Doors for Seniors
The recipient of the Sunrise Rotary spring community grant program 2025 is Bethany Care Foundation…
Darlene Grasdal, Site Manager at Bethany College Side Gardens in Red Deer, served as the guest speaker for our club on November 26, 2025. She provided an overview of how our $2,000 spring grant donation was utilised at the Bethany Care Centre. The facility accommodates 112 residents, including 28 individuals under the age of 65, many of whom are living with brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Additional units within the centre offer memory care and comprehensive senior support, and the centre is organized as four distinct houses surrounding a courtyard that was previously inaccessible to residents. Our contribution enabled the installation of an accessible door, allowing residents to enjoy the courtyard area, which features a bridge and a shale pathway. There are future plans to add a second door, benches, and trees to further enhance accessibility and comfort.
Bethany Care Society is a non-profit organization. Bethany College Side Gardens has served the Red Deer community since 2010, coinciding with Ms. Grasdal’s 15 years of service. This year (2025) marks the 80th anniversary of the Bethany Care Society’s presence in Alberta.
Regarding upcoming projects, there are plans to construct a greenhouse on the garden side to enable residents to start their own plants. The current request includes funding for a greenhouse and six garden boxes. College Side Garden comprises 103 suites and provides supported living for seniors. It is a pet-friendly environment with amenities such as a dog run, supported by foundation projects.
