At Tullamore Community, a long-term care home in Brampton, ON, team members are busy living Sienna’s Values, Act Positively, Be Accountable, Create Community and Demonstrate Caring, incorporating them in their daily routines. Create Community is brought to life in many ways, including through their International Day program run by the Recreation Department. Every month, residents have the opportunity to explore different cultures of their choosing. Recently, they expressed they wanted to learn about the vibrant island of Jamaica. This sparked collaboration from team members throughout Tullamore who helped put on one of the best International Day events so far, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of both residents and team members.
Team members did not hesitate to pitch in, going above and beyond to ensure the program’s success. From the beginning, Cynthia, a dedicated Personal Support Worker (PSW) with 18 years of service at Tullamore, expressed her desire to contribute to the International Day program by preparing traditional Jamaican cuisine for everyone in the home.
On her day off, Cynthia meticulously prepared a mouth-watering feast for Tullamore’s International Day. From delectable curry goat and oxtail, to ackee and saltfish, to rice and peas, and more, a wonderful aroma spread throughout the community the moment she arrived with the Caribbean cuisine. Cynthia also brought in artifacts and pictures that showcased the rich culture and history of Jamaica, adding to the immersive and educational experience.
Another PSW, Kerry Ann, moved to Canada from Jamaica in 2007 and has been a devoted member of the team for 14 years. She volunteered to deliver a captivating presentation about her native country. Kerry Ann's dedication was evident as she prepared for her talk, which seamlessly blended tears of joy, laughter, and enlightening anecdotes that brought the history of Jamaica to life.This event was made even more special when one of the residents, Arthur, contributed his creative talents by penning a heartfelt poem about Jamaica. His words resonated with everyone present and inspired a sense of unity and joy.
Reflecting on this extraordinary day, Kerry Ann expressed her pride in being a part of the Tullamore family. To others seeking to create a strong sense of community within their own homes, Kerry Ann's advice was simple. “Regardless of our diverse backgrounds and languages spoken, we are all here to support residents and cultivate happiness in daily life. The more we respect, appreciate, and celebrate one another, the better the experiences are for our residents,” she said.
