As the time for the parade to begin drew near, participants were told that the event had raised $29,355 and that pledges were still coming in. Fundraising for the Grand Parade was taken to a whole different level when groups formed and then settled on a distinct identity, as was the case with the above group of Ghostbusters. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – What a difference a year makes!

Last year when the 2023 Grand Parade in support of The New Dundas Manor took place, there as little more than a field where the facility would be located.

This year, much of the concrete has been poured and the steel superstructure rises above a large portion of what will be one of the nicest extended care facilities in eastern Ontario. And it is all because many individuals decided to do what they could to help make the new Dundas Manor a reality.

The struggle continues, although they are closer to their goal than ever, and if events like The Grand Parade continue to inspire people, that goal will soon be reached.

It was a party atmosphere as participants gathered prior to the start of the parade. There was a DJ playing music, a professional face painter, coffee and baked goods, and people, many in small groups, other in larger, themed teams, but all there with a common goal.

As the time for the parade to begin drew near, participants were told by Cindy Ault-Peters, Campaign Assistant, WDMH Foundation that the event had raised $29,355 and that pledges were still coming in. After telling everyone what to expect alone the route, she turned the mic over to Cholly Boland, Chief Executive Officer of both the Winchester District Memorial Hospital and Dundas Manor, who spoke of the progress that had been made.

“For those of you, and I hope maybe all of you have been in the existing Dundas Manor, it’s nice to see before and after, but you’ll know that the people are just magical in terms of giving care, incredible care, in what is really not a very nice building.

“What you’re seeing there this morning is literally 1/3 of our new building, and in my mind, it’s already bigger than the current building, so it’s real, real progress,” continued Boland. “And we’re so thankful. We’re thankful to the community, we’re thankful to many levels of government, and we’re thankful to all of you and supporters for getting us this far. We’ve got about a year, year and a half ahead of us till we’re all back here to cut a ribbon and open the building, and we’re looking forward to that. But as you can see, it’s made great progress. And thanks to people like you and events  like this. So, thanks very much for coming out today.”

North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser spoke of how honoured he was to be a part of a great community effort.

“I just want to say I am so, so fortunate to be with all of you here today, the progress that’s been made through your support, the support of different levels of government, the support of the community, has caused this dream that we see, 1/3 of it, as Charlie says.

“This is so fantastic,” continued Fraser.  “And this event today, and I was talking to Kristen Casselman (Managing Director WDMH Foundation) just minutes ago, how all the events in North Dundas have been so, so, such fair weather, such beautiful people, coming together to share and being part of a community. And this event culminates our events for the summer, I believe, and what a wonderful way to get together. Walk the Grand Parade, raise awareness, raise support for the new Dundas Manor. And I’m so proud to be part of this, this community that worked so hard to achieve a dream. Thank you very much.”

And with that, they were off, some on foot, a few carried by two-seater bicycles, one step at a time, one dollar at a time, confident that together they would achieve their goal.