The Chartwell Foundation is hosting a Calgary fundraiser at Pure Barre

A Canadian charity that grants wishes to seniors is holding a fundraiser in Calgary this weekend.

Seniors from across Canada are eligible to request a wish from the Chartwell Foundation.

The organization started its wish program in 2022 and says more than 30 wishes have come true since then.

Wishes range from things like reuniting with long-lost family and friends, honoring past accomplishments, or celebrating new and old passions.

Cassandra Murray, a retirement counselor at Chartwell Colonel Belcher, says the program is getting positive feedback from seniors who have granted their wishes.

“Anyone over the age of 65, anyone in the community in Canada can be nominated through the Chartwell Foundation website,” he explained.

“Go out there, nominate a family member or friend and neighbor, someone you know in the community who has a dream or has always wanted to do something, and then we'll go from there.”

Wishes can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

“The program is philanthropically funded, so we're looking for donations,” Murray said. “Our team just ran the Toronto Marathon and raised money.”

The latest fundraiser for the foundation is called “Workout for a Cause” and will take place on May 25 at Calgary's Pure Barre studio in Mission.

The studio will host three classes, with all proceeds from class purchases that day benefiting the foundation.

Daniel Cote, owner of Pure Barre, said classes are open to all ages, although many members sign up.

“We do four special exercises. They're low-impact, they're set to music, and they help strengthen both the body and the mind,” he said.

“Our members are always supportive, people just love to get out and help others and also enjoy a good workout at the same time. It's great”.

Calgary began to fulfill his wish

Cathy Lewis of Calgary recently learned that her wish was granted.

She is a resident of Chartwell Mission Fountains, where she has lived since October 2023.

Lewis says she learned about the wish program from a newsletter.

He has been involved in art most of his life, painting in retirement because it keeps his mind active.

“When you're doing something and you're just there, you don't know anything else,” he said. “I have arthritis, so the picture helps me focus on my body instead of thinking about it.”

He collected a lot and always thought it would be good to show his work in a gallery.

Now that wish will come true with an exhibition of Lewis' work at cSpace in Marda Loop.

Lewis' work will be on display from June 10 to July 1 at an opening reception with an invitation to meet the artist.

“You compare yourself to other people, I'm not Picasso, I'm not Michelangelo,” he said. “But I think I can do a good job and I hope people like it.”

Lewis will have 29 pieces in the gallery and hopes to sell them all so he can use the money to buy more art to fund his hobby.