Neighbours For Life!

August 15, 2025

Keeping Connections Strong:

There is something special about growing up and growing older in a small town. Neighbours aren’t just the people who live next door; they’re the families who farmed alongside yours, the friends who played in the same schoolyard, the volunteers who worked side-by-side at community events, and the friendly faces who always waved when you passed by on the street or an old range road.

Here in Mountain View County, a proud farming and ranching region, those connections run even deeper. Many of our residents spent decades working side-by-side in the fields, attending rodeos and community hall events together, watching their children ride the same school buses, and celebrating milestones as a community. These shared experiences mean that when residents move into one of our four lodges—Mount View Lodge in Olds, Sundre Seniors Supportive Living in Sundre, Chinook Winds Lodge in Carstairs, or Aspen Ridge Lodge in Didsbury—they often already know each other. They may have been neighbours, co-workers, fellow volunteers, or lifelong friends long before they became MVSH lodge residents.

That is what makes our inter-lodge activities so special: they aren’t just opportunities to meet new people, but to reconnect with familiar faces from decades past. Bringing residents together from across all four lodges often means reuniting old farming neighbours, classmates, teammates, or even extended family members. It is a continuation of the same small-town spirit they have known all their lives… Just in a new chapter.

From friendly MVSH Floor Curling challenges to afternoons at the bowling alley, to coffee and tea socials that spark lively conversations, our inter-lodge outings give residents the chance to reminisce about the past decades, swapping stories that begin with, “Remember when…” These visits aren’t just about looking back; they’re also about catching up on each other’s families, health, and well-being. While a phone call or a handwritten letter can go a long way, there is nothing quite like that face-to-face connection to reflect on the memories of the past and share what’s new today.

One of the key factors in making these visits happen is transportation. As a registered charity, we ensure our activity budgets provide for a number of bus trips each year, but we welcome the support of the community to help MVSH create even more opportunities for residents to connect. The generosity of others continues to enhance residents’ experiences and help them stay engaged with their neighbours.

We are fortunate to have residents who still drive and can independently visit friends and family, but for those who have chosen to stop driving, these outings are a lifeline. They help maintain cherished relationships built over decades, while also celebrating the joy and belonging of the present.

Because in small towns, neighbours are never just neighbours… They’re friends for life. And at MVSH, we are proud to help keep those connections alive!

If you’re interested in learning more about the MVSH Foundation and how you can support initiatives like this, visit our website at www.mvsh.ca/Foundation

Embracing Love, Laughter, and Lifelong Memories

– Mountain View Seniors’ Housing