People who give the gift or time, money or service to the Northern Spirit Manor were recognized at a volunteer and donor reception in the personal care home’s dining room on Sept. 17.

“Every year, we like to have an evening where we can thank all of the special people who that come and visit us here at the manor and help us,” Northern Spirit Manor manager Kristyn Wickdahl told those in attendance. “That’s all of you, the volunteers and donors.”

Also addressing the gathering was Northern Regional Health Authority CEO Helga Bryant.

“I’m really honoured to be here this evening,” said Bryant, whose schedule, which saw her in Thompson for the week, made it possible for her to attend. “When I look around the room it takes many, many people to make this a home and it’s the residents that make it a home, it’s the staff but it’s also our unpaid staff, our volunteers. The heart and the soul and the spirit that you bring to this place is critical and really, really important and to the quality of the home environment that we provide here at the Northern Spirit Manor. The healthcare system, there never seems to be enough money to go around so it’s always very, very appreciated when we get gifts either financially or in kind or of your time.”

Betsy Wrana, the director of long-term care, said volunteers not only brighten the days of Northern Spirit Manor’s residents but of staff members as well.

“These individuals make a difference in the lives of everyone around them in more ways that we can count, she said. “You bring your enthusiasm, your optimism and your determination. You come in with your smiles and your energy and you remind us of why we are here. You remind us that anything is possible if we partner with our community and we love what we do.”

Wickdahl said many volunteers with family members who live at Northern Spirit Manor showed their generosity and appreciation for the care their relatives receive by volunteering to help others.

“You do it because you want to not because you have to,” she said. “We have family members who come in and help out with days like this or taking other residents out that might not have family here. A lot of times when one of our residents passes away their family members ask for donations to be made to northern Spirit Manor. We do acknowledge everybody up on our donor board.”

Wickdahl closed her speech by saying she hopes to keep saying the same faces again in the future.

“We look forward to seeing you all again next year which would mean we’re lucky enough to have you as volunteers for the following year,” she said. “We appreciate your time and your dedication and you’re welcome here any time.”