A good number of working places organize special events aimed to express appreciation to their employees and recognize the work they do for the company or institution they serve.
In a place like Abbeyfield Port Alberni, a seniors' residence, something very special took place recently: a “Staff Appreciation Dinner,” organized entirely by the residents.
“The tenants of this home decided to thank our staff members for their care, dedication and
friendship provided to all of us, by organizing a special dinner and a social get together,”says Sandy Stewart, resident of the home who was the planner and the Master of Ceremonies at the event.
Stewart explains that the residents raise their own funds for some of the social activities that take place in their home, and assist by helping to cover some expenses incurred in some house events, such as paying for the staff meals when they take them for their monthly lunches at local restaurants, as well as contributing with funds to gas up their bus. “Some of our funds come from the $25 a year each of us contribute to our finances, and we also get some revenues from the exchange of empty cans and bottles we take to the ‘Return-it Depot’ on a regular basis,” he said.
The suggestion of organizing such an event came at one of the residents’ monthly meeting in the home’s living room. “Because we are fortunate to have a place like Abbeyfield, a place that provides lots to us, especially the commitment and support we all get from our staff,” Stewart said.
At the dinner, the male residents, all dressed up in white shirts, embellished with black bow ties and matching pants, set up the tables and assisted with the serving of the wine and meal.
“It was a lovely dinner," longtime resident Pat Rogers said. "We strongly believe that our staff deserves a merited recognition for their work and affection. Hopefully, we will do it again next year.”
The MC opened the event by welcoming the members of the Abbeyfield staff and their hosts, the residents, and a member of the board of directors, to the dinner by expressing genuine appreciation to all the employees who work at Abbeyfield. Following that, under a cheerful atmosphere and laughter, the drinks and food were served and the lovely evening began.
Stewart has been a resident of Abbeyfield since June 15, 2022. He is known in our community for his work in the newspaper printing press trade. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, he took his printing apprenticeship in Saskatoon. Later, after a series of trips to Port Alberni, he moved here to stay in 1957 and joined the media staff of “The Twin City Times” newspaper (later AV Times, which has been closed for several years) until his retirement in 1994.
Tracy Adams, Abbeyfield employee for the past five years and currently Abbeyfield manager, praises the residents for their gesture in the organizing of the staff appreciation dinner. “It was a sweet gesture and lots of effort put into it by the residents. We had a good turnout by our staff: 12 out of 13 members were in attendance,” she said.
She adds that during the dinner and later at the social gathering, Barb Lehtonen, a well-known local musician, and her friends entertained the diners by adding a musical touch to the evening.
Two other staff members commented about the event by saying that they appreciate and thank the organizers of the special function. “We had a good time that evening,”, says Lori Viner. “And hopefully we will have it again next year.”
Similar comments were heard from Jean Stephenson, who also says: “Although I was busy taken pictures during the dinner, I did enjoy the event. Very nice.”
