There is a relatively new registered charity in Canada that offers to assist some seniors to fulfill a dream, but who need financial support to make it a reality.

Wish of a Lifetime was started in the United States in 2008 and a similar organization launched in Canada last year. Chartwell Retirement Residences, which operates at 175 locations in Quebec and three other provinces, is partnered with Wish of a Lifetime Canada and participates in its events.

Among its published goals, the group offers to reconnect seniors with loved ones, help them renew and celebrate their passions, fulfill
lifelong dreams, and commemorate their service to country and community.

To help raise funds for its activities, Chartwell’s Le Wellesley Retirement Residence in Pointe Claire last month teamed up with the Arthur Murray Dance School and Table 09 Restaurant in Pointe Claire for a Dancing with Seniors event.

Participants paid $25 each for the meal and dance session, and raffle tickets were sold, with all profits going to the Wish of a Lifetime Canada. A total of 14 Le Wellesley residents were paired with instructors from the dance school.

It was presented as a contest, and the winner was Martha Moyle, 96, who received a trophy as best dancer. A special 2017 calendar was sold at the event and the proceeds turned over to the fund. The total raised was $3,650, Chartwell communications manager Patricia Lemoine reported.

A special guest at the event was Second World War veteran Napoléon Montsion, who lives at a Chartwell residence in Gatineau and is featured on the Wish of a Lifetime calendar. Montsion, the first wish recipient from Quebec, was flown earlier this year to Las Vegas to see a Céline Dion show and meet the star in person.

Any Canadian senior can be nominated to have a wish granted.

Ballots are available at any of Chartwell’s residences or at seniorwish.org/Canada.