Chartwell Raises over $165,000 for Canadian Charity

MISSISSAUGA, ON--(Marketwired - May 29, 2017) - Chartwell Retirement Residences ("Chartwell") announced today the result of its 2016 efforts to raise funds for their charitable partner, Wish of a Lifetime Canada (WOLC). In total, the company raised over $165,000 in 2016 to support WOLC's mission of shifting the way society views and values our oldest generations by fulfilling seniors' dreams and sharing their stories to inspire those of all ages.

"In our inaugural year of Wish Granting, Chartwell proved to be much more than a partner and greatly exceeded our expectations through their substantial contributions, innovative fundraising campaigns and unparalleled commitment to our mission," said Tom Wagenlander, Executive Director of Wish of a Lifetime Canada. "Chartwell's generosity is ensuring that seniors across Canada will have access to our programs for years to come and we couldn't be more excited for the future."

Fundraising was truly a community effort, with a substantial amount being donated by Chartwell as part of their charitable commitment to WOLC, and another portion being raised by outside donors and community fundraisers organized by residents in some of Chartwell's 185+ locations across Canada. "Our partnership with Wish of a Lifetime is one more way we are truly making people's lives better," said Sharon Henderson, Chartwell's Vice President, Communication and Public Affairs. "Our staff, residents and community partners have embraced WOLC and shown their support in a variety of ways from fundraising and donations, to submitting wish nominations to an overall pride in sharing and promoting the WOLC mission across Canada."

The organization's Wishes range in scope from small, community-based events to large international trips, and are as diverse as the seniors they honour. The wishes reconnect seniors with loved ones, help older adults renew and celebrate their passions, fulfill their lifelong dreams, and commemorate their service to country and community. In the past, Wish recipients have met relatives for the first time, fulfilled an 80-year-old dream of conducting an orchestra to perform "O, Canada," and gotten up-close-and-personal with Beluga Whales. Seniors who receive a wish report that they feel happier, healthier, and more involved in the world after their experience.

To learn more about Chartwell and Wish of a Lifetime Canada, visit www.chartwell.com and www.wishofalifetime.ca

About Wish of a Lifetime Canada:

Wish of a Lifetime Canada's mission is to shift the way society views and values our oldest generations by fulfilling seniors' dreams and sharing their stories to inspire those of all ages. The U.S. charity Wish of a Lifetime was founded in 2008 by two-time Olympic skier, World Cup gold medalist, entrepreneur, and former NFL football player Jeremy Bloom in living honor of his grandmother, and Wish of a Lifetime Canada launched as an independent organization in Canada in September of 2015. The organization envisions a world in which society embraces aging and the inherent wisdom that accompanies it, where seniors are celebrated for their accomplishments and sacrifices, and where intergenerational connections are part of our daily lives. After experiencing a wish, 93 percent of U.S. Wish recipients stated they felt their quality of life improved and 76 percent said they felt their overall health improved, and the organization expects to see similar benefits in their Canadian recipients. To learn more about the organization or to help fulfill a senior's Wish, visit www.wishofalifetime.ca

About Chartwell Retirement Residences:

Chartwell is the largest owner and operator of seniors housing communities across the country, from independent supportive living through assisted living to long term care. Chartwell is committed to its vision of Making People's Lives BETTER and to providing a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life experience for seniors. www.chartwell.com