May 15, 2016
Canada Blooms donates flowers to long-term care homes
Plant material from Canada Blooms is distributed to various city-run care facilities.
There were bright eyes and wide smiles in the courtyard of Toronto’s Carefree Lodge long-term care home on March 22, as residents got a glimpse of the beautiful plants arriving from Canada Blooms.

Despite less-than-spring like weather, including chilly temperatures and rain, residents joined Canada Blooms general manager Terry Caddo, Toronto city councillor David Shiner and gardening writer and personality Mark Cullen to welcome the donation of over 600 plants.

This year, the plants were shared with Carefree Lodge, Willowdale Manor Supportive Housing and Cummer Lodge, each run by the municipality to provide long-term care and adult day programs for those in the city in need of support.

Watching residents eagerly sort through a diverse array of flowers — carefully selecting the perfect varieties for themselves and their friends — it’s clear the contribution was warmly received.

“While these plants looked absolutely breathtaking at Canada Blooms, they look even better being enjoyed by the residents of Carefree Lodge,” Caddo said. “It’s amazing to see the impact of the show live on by bringing joy to those who genuinely appreciate the plants.”

Coun. Shiner agreed. “I’m delighted to help deliver this beautiful collection of plants to the wonderful seniors at Carefree Lodge,” he said. “This donation will bring vibrant colours and sweet smells of an early spring into Carefree Lodge while allowing the great displays from Canada Blooms to continue being enjoyed.”