Friday, the Mansion Assisted Care Facility launched a gofundme page seeking to raise $10,000 for a new van. It seems unfortunate to me, that in America, the world’s wealthiest community, we will be spending billions, of not trillions, of dollars for an expanded military, but do not have $10,000 for a Medicaid Assisted Care Facility to purchase a new van.

Vans are a lifeline to the outside world for the residents, they are the way to get to doctor’s appointments, get outside, take field trips, go shopping, visit family. They are a link to the outside world, past and present. The Mansion van is beat up and dying, the Mansion owner, George Carla, has raised half of the money, but because of the many improvements he has made to the facility, he can’t get a bank loan for the rest.

So it falls to the outside world – to us, if we wish to accept it – to do the rest. I do accept this challenge. George is a good man and he runs a loving and place, he and the staff do everything possible to make the residents feel safe and well cared for.

The gofundme page went up on Friday, and this morning, had raised $4,850, which is great. We are at nearly 50 per cent, $5,150 to go. I hope you can help, and perhaps share this page and let others know about it. This is a good cause, a chance to do good in a time of turbulent and conflict.

It is easy to feel abandoned and forgotten in institutions like the Mansion, no matter how good the care. The van is the residents connection to the world beyond, a way of keeping close to the things they love and have lost.

Medicaid facilities do not have a lot of money, and if the Congress gets its way, they will have even less in the future. I am determined to help them get their van, and if any of you can and wish to help, that would be wonderful. You can reach the gofundme page here.  And thanks.