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Westmount team turns grief over the loss of a colleague into something positive
With support from S&R head office, $2,030 is raised for Heart and Stroke Foundation in Richard Seymour’s name
8/9/2019
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Deron Hamel
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Richard Seymour
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The Westmount Gardens team recently lost a valued team member when environmental services worker (ESW) Richard Seymour suddenly passed away in late June.
But his colleagues at the London, Ont. long-term care community wanted to honour Richard by doing something to serve the greater good in his memory, so they spearheaded an initiative that eventually raised $2,030 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
“The environmental department has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent months, but through the adversity, ESW team members stepped up in kindness, instead of stepping back wounded, (and organized) a small fundraising campaign that started shortly after Richard’s death,” explains environmental services manager Ryan Arthur.
Then the team at Steeves & Rozema head office heard about the campaign and wanted to pitch in, Ryan notes.
“In true S&R fashion, when head office heard of the fundraising campaign for Richard, it was announced that donations would be matched up to $1,000,” he says.
Westmount Gardens team members organized a barbecue in July that ended up raising $1,030 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The contribution from head office nearly doubled the total to $2,030.
Ryan says the environmental services department, members of the Westmount Gardens social committee, nursing clerical co-ordinator Stacy Danielson and scheduling co-ordinator Terra O’Meara “went above and beyond” putting the event together through the work they did advertising, organizing and collecting donations for the charity in Richard’s name.
Ryan says he is grateful for the hard work and generosity the Westmount and head office teams put forth to honour Richard.
“Special thanks to all of the team members who donated to the cause; your generosity and support is appreciated,” he says in an e-mail.
“Thank you to our CEO John Scotland, vice-president of culture and organizational effectiveness Auriel Pope, and vice-president of long-term care Carole Alexander for your generosity and support through this difficult time.”
Ryan adds that Richard’s father, Tracey Seymour, a retired environmental services manager, has also sent his appreciation for everyone’s generosity and support.
“He was astonished and very proud that his son made such an impact on our home,” Ryan says.
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