On
Saturday, May 25, 2013, a crowd gathered at 101 Brunswick Street to
mark the opening of PAL Place Stratford.
According
to their website, Performing Arts Lodge is a volunteer-based Canadian
charitable organization dedicated to the provision of affordable
housing, social assistance and other services to local members and
associates of Canada’s professional and performing arts community
who are in need of assistance by reason of low income, age or
disability. It provides a sanctuary, a home, and a community for
professionals of the theatre who find themselves in times of need
during and at the end of their careers, times that can be uncertain
and insecure. “PAL is a proven success story in several other
locales nationwide. We heartily endorse and look forward to the same
success story becoming reality here in Stratford.”
During
the opening ceremonies one of the speakers read a note written by the
beloved Canadian actor, Cedric Smith. He wrote of visiting an old
friend from his days on stage who was living in a nursing home.
Cedric was able to understand and communicate with this aging actor
in a language that they both understood – the language of the
theatre – which the caregivers at the home did not comprehend. How
wonderful that the citizens of Stratford have had the foresight to
want to “care for our own”, those members of the theatre who have
contributed to the life of Stratford in so many ways. PAL will
provide care not only in practical terms but also by creating an
environment where they can continue to enjoy the ambiance and
language of theatre.
Christopher
Plummer, honorary patron of PAL Stratford, made the trip to
town in order to cut the ribbon during the official opening
Glen Dias, who already lives at the lodge, sang a moving a cappella rendition of 'Bring Him Home' from Les Miserables. How appropriate!
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