We would like to say thank you to the donors who over the years have given in support of The Great Escape, our annual fundraising event. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised over $400,000 in support of The Elliott Community. Funds from this event have helped to purchase necessary equipment for specialized programs and other priority needs, and our donors have made it possible! This support has been integral in helping to improve the quality of life for our residents in so many ways.



The COVID-19 pandemic caused many retirement and long-term care homes like The Elliott Community to temporarily close and to find new ways of delivering care and recreation programs for our residents. While virtual visits via video or phone chat have worked well for residents, it has been challenging to find innovative ways to deliver recreation programs that help keep our residents engaged on a social and physical level during a time of recommended social distancing and self-quarantine. 



This year, in order to protect the health of our community and residents, we are going virtual for The Great Escape 2020. We are raising funds to purchase four virtual bikes. Virtual bikes will give residents a window to the parts of the world that they're missing. Residents can travel to all corners of the world and explore a variety of different content. The experience is incredibly powerful, particularly among seniors experiencing cognitive decline, impaired vision or mobility restrictions. Residents can share stories and deepen their connections with one another, family and with staff. Virtual bikes provide opportunities for residents to virtually leave the four walls of their community and engage with the world in ways they never thought possible. Residents have an opportunity to take a bike down memory lane by revisiting their childhood home, wedding location or anywhere else from their past.