TCMH Wendel Clark fundraising dinner brings new long-term-care home closer to reality

Following a delicious three-course dinner and the live and silent auctions, former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Wendel Clark entertained guests with stories from his hockey-playing days along with a candid question-and-answer session. Contributed photo

By Stewart Grant

Tri-County Mennonite Homes’ (TCMH) second annual fundraising dinner was a big success last Saturday, with the event furthering the organization’s mission of building a new Nithview long-term care home in New Hamburg.

Toronto Maple Leaf legend Wendel Clark was the special guest, and the 142 people in attendance at Puddicombe House were treated to a wonderful evening of fine dining, fellowship and classic hockey stories.    

“TCMH was proud to host another hockey star for our fundraiser event,” said TCMH chief of staff and director of communications Emily Shannon, noting Wendel’s appearance this year was a great follow-up to last year when Darryl Sittler entertained.

“Wendel Clark wowed hockey fans,” she said.

Clark connected with the crowd right from the beginning of his speech when he shared his small-town upbringing. Asking about the size of New Hamburg, he joked, “That’s a city in Saskatchewan.”

“I grew up in a town of about 900, and from our town, we had four guys in the NHL,” Clark said, referring to himself and brothers Joey and Kory Kocur along with Barry Melrose. “The Kocurs, Clarks and Melroses; we’re all related. All small towns are related.”

“TCMH supporters really enjoyed listening to Wendel’s stories,” said Shannon. “The event is a key fundraiser for TCMH in support of building a New Nithview and we couldn’t do it without the support of local businesses and all the people who purchased a ticket to attend.”

Shannon told the Gazette the live and silent auction made over $7,000, while the amount raised from ticket sales and sponsorships hadn’t been fully determined as of press time.

TCMH is working towards a campaign fundraising goal of $5 million, of which at least $772,000 had been raised heading into last weekend’s event. Of the total construction cost of $54 million, $34 million will come from lending institutions, $12.9 million from an Ontario Construction Funding Subsidy, and $2 million from Support for Municipal and Regional Development Fees, per the Case for Support document shared at the event.

“The project is crucial to expanding elder care in our community,” Shannon said. “As pressure increases on the long-term-care system, the demand for beds is growing very quickly. TCMH is opening 63 new beds and building 160 beds in total (97 coming from the current LTC home) to help meet the growing need and keeping our elders in the community they call home.”

Shannon said the construction project is approximately 30 per cent complete, with construction expected to be completed in late summer 2027, with residents moving into the new home in the early fall of 2027.

For more information on the new Nithview project, including information on how to donate, visit www.tcmhomes.com.