If sunshine is good for health, then the new St. John Ambulance training centre in Fergus is off to a great start.
Sunshine and light not only dominated the outside weather on Feb. 28, but within the new location as well.
Michael Weinstein with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce said the chamber is happy to have the organization relocate to downtown Fergus.
“St. John is a valuable part of our community.”
Following the ribbon cutting, Weinstein presented chairperson Sherry Clarke with a plaque on behalf of the chamber.
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton is pleased to see St. John Ambulance “relocate to this great space in the heart of Centre Wellington.”
He said, “What St. John does is so important to our community.”
Clarke thanked all those attending “It is so great seeing everyone share this great new space.”
Noting she wasn’t certain how many in attendance had seen the previous location, Clarke said, “but this is a thousand times better … brightness and fresh.”
Clarke introduced those on the board and those in uniform. “They’re the ones who go out in the community.”
“We have to be so proud of them in Centre Wellington because they monitor and keep us all safe at special events.”
She estimated that last year those same people worked 5,000 hours in the community.
“There wouldn’t be a St. John Ambulance without these folks.”
Unfortunately neither Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong nor Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott could attend the ribbon cutting – although both offered assurances they would drop by later that day.
They indicated how proud they are of the local volunteers.
“It’s pretty good when we get both our MP and MPP telling us we are doing a good job,” said Clarke,
She also commented on St. John’s four-legged friends – the canines and owners involved in the therapy dog program.
“They go into nursing homes, libraries, schools and rehab centres.
“We had a training session a few months ago and I was totally amazed that the residents of the (rehab centre) saw the dogs, their eyes just lit up … and the love that was shown between the residents and these four-legged pals. It was absolutely wonderful.”
Clarke cited a recent note from the Elora Festival, which thanked volunteers for all the hours at the various shows and providing first aid.
She said St. John Ambu-lance helped sponsor the Legion handivan and its upgrades.
St. John also participates in the annual Fergus Lions Home Show.
She lauded young Natalie Klein. “This little lady is our future … she’s one of our juniors and her dad has been involved for 11 years.”
Clarke said spouses of the volunteers need to be recognized. “Without them at home, these people couldn’t volunteer.”
Special guest for the event was Al McBride, chairman of the Ontario St. John Ambulance.
McBride thanked the local group for all their hard work.
“We used to call these places St. John House. I know a lot of our branches are looking and trying to find new places within their communities. Not all are successful, but this is a beautiful place. It is bright, clean and clear.”
He said there are volunteers at every level of the organization.
“I’m really proud of the work you’ve done in Fergus. You should be proud, each and every one of you. We think you’ve done a wonderful job.”
Clarke also spoke of some of the programs including a newly-initiated child seat program, a home alone program, pet first aid part of which includes canine CPR.
Other programs include baby sitting classes and various levels of first aid and WSIB programs.
