A familiar face at Carefor Civic Complex in Pembroke is stepping up to support seniors living at two local retirement homes.

Carefor Health & Community Services has launched the Care for Seniors with Melanie campaign, inspired by Civic Complex resident Melanie Freeman, who has set herself the ambitious goal of walking every day between now and the end of 2025 to raise $12,000 in support of residents at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre.

Freeman moved to the Civic Complex three years ago after the death of her mother, finding both support and a renewed sense of connection among fellow residents and staff.

“I’m so grateful to the staff at Carefor that I want to do something to give back and to help my friends. I don’t know where I’d be without them,” said Freeman.

The campaign kicked off on Oct. 29 at Mulvihill Pharmacy where owner Brian Mulvihill presented Freeman with a $2,500 donation to help start fundraising momentum.

“We’re so impressed with Mel’s spirit and commitment to helping seniors in her community that we couldn’t help but be involved,” said Mulvihill.

Carefor’s two retirement homes offer affordable living options for Ottawa Valley seniors, though rising living expenses continue to challenge those on fixed incomes. As a not-for-profit organization, Carefor maintains affordability but depends on community support to enhance day-to-day life at the homes.

“Melanie is a well-known and well-loved person around Carefor,” said Steve Perry, Carefor president and CEO. “She’s always making people’s days brighter. The money Melanie raises will go toward things like entertainment, pet therapy, and art supplies that make our residents’ lives more joyful, helping them enjoy the retirement they deserve.”

Carefor has been caring for seniors in Eastern Ontario since 1897 and currently supports more than 20,000 seniors each year through retirement living, assisted living, meal delivery and transportation programs.

The Care for Seniors with Melanie campaign continues until Dec. 31, 2025. Donations can be made online at carefor.ca/careforseniors.