An official ribbon cutting ceremony for a new gazebo at the FJ Davey Home took place yesterday afternoon.
The gazebo, for FJ Davey Home residents and their visitors to enjoy, was built in honour of a past resident - Bob Burns - who died in 2023.
Fran Burns, Bob’s widow, cut the ribbon surrounded by FJ Davey Home management team members.
“I'm very excited. Bob used to sit under the old gazebo and read and we would have family picnics here,” Fran told SooToday.
It was Bob’s desire to see a new gazebo built at the Davey Home after wear and tear from the weather led to the collapse of the old gazebo in 2021.
“He helped get a lot of things done here at the Davey Home. Two years ago the Canadian flag at the front of the building was in shreds and he got them to get a new flag.
"He had a library put in on his floor because he was a reader. He wanted this gazebo project done so I thought ‘maybe I can do something about this.’ All these people came together and made it happen. It's just an amazing feeling,” Fran said.
A fundraising committee consisting of FJ Davey Home staff and community partners was established.
The cost of the building materials and construction of the gazebo came to $30,000.
“We started off with a simple car wash where we raised $900. After that we thought ‘we can do this,’” said Sue Burns, FJ Davey Home program manager, no relation to Bob.
The fundraising committee raised the money needed for construction of the new gazebo built by local contractors including Ficmar Builders, Soo Mill and RM Frolich Roof Systems & Renovations.
“Bob Burns had a big heart. He wanted this gazebo for future residents to enjoy,” Sue said.
Brandon Servant, FJ Davey Home Family Council member, served as the project’s organizer.
“It feels good to see Fran cut the ribbon. It’s amazing,” Servant said.
What would Bob have thought of the new gazebo?
“He would have been very overwhelmed with excitement and he probably would have said ‘it’s about time,’” Fran said with a laugh.