After receiving more than $100,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) over the past two years to improve facilities at Abbey Retreat Centre (ARC), executive director Barb Smith-Morrison said the non-profit is excited to offer improved supports to visitors in 2024.
Speaking at a Dec. 15 funding announcement, Smith-Morrison said ARC received $103,200 in two grants from OTF in 2022 and 2023.
The $65,500 received in 2022 enabled Smith-Morrison to sign off on several “needed” capital upgrades, such as purchasing new kitchen appliances, constructing a new screened porch, and renovating the downstairs meeting room. The organization received another $37,000 in 2023 for the installation of a new geothermal heating system and in-floor heating.
“These capital renovations have already made a wonderfully positive impact on our cancer support programming,” SmithMorrison said. “It’s been gratifying to watch the new screened porch and renovated cabin allow our participants to experience the added benefits of being close to nature without needing to walk far, especially if mobility is challenging.”
Since opening its doors in 2017, ARC has assisted hundreds of cancer patients and their caregivers through their cancer journeys, offering free in-person programming to support people on their path to healing, recovery, and acceptance.
The main offering is in-person retreats, which are provided for free. Smith-Morrison said ARC ran seven retreats last year, serving over 200 people between those and a host of online programs. The organization fundraised approximately $360,000 last year for its operations, which is used to offset the cost of the retreats. Smith-Morrison noted it costs around $2,500 for one person to attend a four-day retreat.
“We offer a sanctuary experience based on a whole-person approach to healing and wellness. The purpose… is to transport people living with cancer out of their day-today lives to rest, create, connect with others living similar experiences, and explore life enhancing practices and tools for their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being,” Smith-Morrison said.
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott attended the funding announcement, saying Abbey Retreat Centre is one of the true gems of Haliburton County.
“You can feel the mood and the calming force that stems from all the great work that’s been done here for many years now. This money is to ensure you can continue to have a vibrant and up-to-date place for cancer survivors and their families to have that lovely tranquil experience, to revitalize their lives and continue on,” Scott said.
“Abbey Retreat Centre is a source of magic in Haliburton.”
Highlands resident Klara Oyler, representing OTF, said she was delighted to see the grant money being used on a cause that “offers hope to hundreds of people.”
For more information, visit abbeyretreatcentre.ca.
