 |
 Lt.- Gov. Donald S. Ethell chats with Cpl. Page during a visit to the Kipnes Centre for Veterans at Castle Downs Road and 152 Avenue. Ethell, a retired colonel, was on hand to cut the ribbon to a new rooftop solarium and covered patio. (Perry Mah, QMI Agency) |
EDMONTON - War veterans now have a sunny place to rest after a $75,000 donation helped
build a rooftop garden in north Edmonton.
The patio will serve the 150 World War II and Korean War vets housed at the
Kipnes Centre for Veterans.
"It's going to enable our elders to come outside and spend some time in the
fresh air," said Betty Kolewaski, administrator.
|
Retired master warrant officer Joe Watt sat in the patio's solarium on Friday afternoon.
"It's wonderful," said the 84-year-old resident.
Watt served in the airforce for 35 years, and is now the bingo caller and
newspaper delivery man at the centre.
"I have many jobs. It keeps me busy," he said with a smile.
The vets have the Edmonton Royal Canadian Legions ladies Auxiliaries Association to thank for the new patio.
Lieutenant-governor Donald Ethell, a retired colonel, said the city is very gracious to those who have served in the war.
"Edmonton opens up their hearts to the troops," he said.
Kolewaski said it's a kind gesture for the community to show their gratitude for Canada's retired soldiers.
"I have learned so much from them. I've certainly grown to appreciate the sacrifices our elders have made for us," she said.