Football, seniors and dental care take centre stage this Grey Cup weekend. The Rotary Club of Squamish is hosting a Grey Cup party to raise money for a dental unit at Hilltop House, a matter of utmost importance to the residents of Squamish’s extended care seniors home.
Spearheaded by local dentist Dr. Laurie Vanzella, the project’s goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for Hilltop residents to receive dental care. Right now the closest thing they have to a dental unit consists of a wheelchair and a flashlight. Patients who require more extensive dental care are forced to leave the facility, which is not an ability everyone has. Having a dental unit at Hilltop will give residents the opportunity to be treated at the facility and will allow for more frequent dental care.
Some of the issues residents face regarding dental health are acceleration of tooth disease due to soft diets, dry mouth, and irregular or poor brushing and flossing which can, in turn, cause other health problems. There is a correlation between gum and cardiovascular disease, as with plaque on the teeth and pneumonia. Also, as one ages, his or her resistance to disease naturally drops.
The fundraising goal this time around is $6,000; however, the estimated cost of the unit including dental chair and overhead light is $26,000 to $30,000.
Rotary Club president Denise Imbeau said proper dental care for Hilltop residents is important as a way to help them to maintain “a peaceful existence and dignity.” She dubs the support for those who built our community “a worthwhile cause.”
The fundraiser on Sunday (Nov. 25) at the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club will include a tailgate party, food and beer, and chances to win prizes — good fun for a good cause and in the true spirit of Canadian football.
The Rotary Grey Cup Fundraiser takes place from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m., with kickoff the 100th Grey Cup Classic between Calgary and Toronto (including Squamish’s own Joe Eppele) at 3 p.m., shown on four big-screen TVs. Tickets for the event are $100 and include a barbecue lunch at halftime. For tickets please email communications@squamishrotary.com
