BMO Gives $150,000 to Bonny Lea Farm for their new Home to Stay

November 8, 2023

Bonny Lea Farm Receives $150,000 from BMO towards their new Home to Stay

CHESTER – November 8, 2023 – BMO has committed $150,000 in support of Bonny Lea Farm’s construction of their purpose-built home to support the changing needs of those who call Bonny Lea Farm home.

“Our family are huge believers in Bonny Lea Farm – it is a place of safety, support, and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I am pleased that BMO has stepped in with support for this important new home,” Lisa Murphy, J&W Murphy Foundation, Home to Stay Capital Campaign Committee.

Specifically, BMO’s contribution will go towards a multipurpose space on the home’s lower level, which will provide a gathering space for the home’s residents and others who make their home at Bonny Lea Farm. The space will support the emotional, social and mental well being of the people who live in the home and others at Bonny Lea Farm.

“BMO is proud to be a part of helping Bonny Lea Farm’s with their new purpose-built home, said Marc Champoux, Regional President, Atlantic Canada, BMO. “Our support aligns with BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, as it exemplifies our commitment to making progress for the communities we serve. We are excited to see the lasting impact and positive change this home will create for its residents.”

Currently, if a participant requires a higher level of support, either due to mobility or light medical needs, they are required to leave their home and move to long-term care. Bonny Lea Farm’s participants want to have the choice to be able to stay at home, surrounded by their friends and the people who many of them consider family. Bonny Lea Farm is committed to ensuring they have this choice. The homes and their staffing model will be a pilot that may be replicated across the province and beyond.

Over the last year, the campaign co-chairs, Jack Flemming and Colin MacDonald, along with members of the campaign committee, Rick Emberley, Kim Geldart, Lisa Murphy and John Biebesheimer, have secured over $4 million in donations and pledges. Including $500,000 from the Department of Community Services, $100,000 from the Employment and Social Development Canada and $100,000 from the Municipality of Chester. The campaign goal is $4.5 million.

Bonny Lea Farm, which is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, is building two new homes. One home is under construction on their Windsor Road property, using funds raised through its capital campaign with the operating costs paid by the Department of Community Services. The second home, in the village of Chester, will have both its construction and operating costs covered by the Department of Community Services.

Of the 50 people who live or work at Bonny Lea Farm half are over the age of 50; many over 60 and, and two over 70.

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