Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are we doing this?
A: The community of caregivers need and deserve respite. Their loved ones who are  struggling with early to mid-stage Alzheimer Disease or Related Dementias need and deserve compassionate, appropriate care. The Guest House is the solution.

Q: What happens if we don’t do this project?
A: Not going ahead with this project is simply not an option. The need that has been identified for the Guest House, and the interest and capacity to support it, has been well researched and substantiated. Although $2,500,000 million is a significant amount of money, building a 12  bedroom bungalow is a reasonable and, in many ways, a humble undertaking.

The Guest House Project has a financial commitment from the Steering Committee and the  Boards of Directors of the three partnering charities, who have each dedicated a portion of their
reserved resources to the Guest House Project.

Q: Who are the main partners committed to the vision of a Guest House?
A: Alzheimer Society of Ottawa
The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre
Victorian Order of Nurses Ottawa-Renfrew County Branch.

Q: When will construction start on the Guest House?
A: Construction will begin once the Campaign has raised 75% of the cost, or $1.9 million. We anticipate the money will be in place late Spring.

Q: What is the Campaign goal?
A: We need $2.5 million to build and furnish the Guest House.

Q: Where are you going to find the money?
A: Our board members, volunteer and staff are leading the way by making significant personal gifts. Once the community is aware that a solution exists to care for people with Alzheimer  Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), we are confident their support, and that of their caregivers, will follow.

Individuals, government, and companies are coming forward in support of the Guest House  because it makes good business sense and directly addresses an immediate need within our community, and the future need of an aging population.

Q: How much money is the Province/Government putting in?
A: The Provincial Government has committed to providing annual funding for the operation of  the Guest House.

Q: Do we need to raise $2.5 Million in one year?
A: It is our goal to raise the $2,500,000 in 2006 through one time gifts and pledged gifts over 3-5  years. This will require everyone’s commitment to support the campaign this year.

Q: How much of the $2.5 Million has been raised to date?
A: At the end of January ‘06 the partners (Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre and The Victorian Order of Nurses Ottawa-Renfrew County Branch) had raised $628,823 from 38 donors!!

Q: If we exceed our $2.5 Million goal, what will be done with the money?
A: The funds will be maintained in a designated “capital fund”. It will be invested and made available for required renovations and replacement of furnishings and equipment for the Guest House over the coming years.

Q: What happens if the project costs exceed budget and money raised?
A: Quite simply, we recognize that we cannot spend money we don’t have. With a professional project management team, and the oversight of the Project Steering Committee, the Guest House will be built within budget.

Q: How do I decide between supporting the Project and/or Alzheimer Society, Perley Rideau, VON?
A: Only you can decide how best to invest your charitable gift. In the short-term, the community  needs to raise the money to build the Guest House. The sooner we can open the doors, the sooner individuals and caregivers will receive the support they require and deserve.

The Guest House is a joint initiative that depends on the continued compassionate expertise of  the three partnering charities. They are all highly respected for the care and services they provide the community now, and that will continue to be available.

The Guest House is also important to Ottawa’s future as a caring, progressive, and growing community. We are confident that the community recognizes the need for respite care and will support us to ensure this very important project becomes a reality.

Q: What is the City of Ottawa’s role in this project?
A: The City of Ottawa funded a Dementia Research Study initiated by the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa. The Study recommended a small, residential environment for dementia respite. Our City Councilor, Peter Hume, has been very supportive of the project and will help with our  application to the City to have development fees waived.

Q: Do the partnering organizations expect me to give to their annual fundraising  campaigns and to the Guest House?
A: Indeed the partnering charities will continue their ongoing appeals in parallel with the Guest  House Capital Campaign appeal. Giving donors the choice to give to ongoing programming
and/or the Guest House is a choice that is completely yours to make.

Q: What are the different ways of making a donation?
A: Donors can pledge their support over a one to five year period. Gifts may be made to any  one of the three partner charities. All gifts will be earmarked for the Guest House Project and  will be receipted by the charity receiving your donation. We can make arrangements for direct
deposit. We also accept VISA, Master Card, and American Express, as well as gifts of stocks, bonds and securities.

Q: What can I do to help?
A: There are a number of ways that you can help support the Guest house Project.

Help spread the word that plans to build a Guest House have begun. Support our fundraising endeavours. It is needed and greatly appreciated.

We would love to hear from you. Call us, write to us, or e-mail us. We promise that we will get you involved as much or as little as you want!

Guest House Campaign Office
Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre
1750 Russell Road, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z6
Paul S. Finn, Managing Director – 613-526-7194
Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation
E-Mail - pfinn@prvhc.com