SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A barbecue and cake celebration was held by Aven Manor to wrap up a fundraising effort for the Dementia Centre and thank contributors whose combined generosity amounted to $810,000 - far past the target amount of $550,000.

"Once again, Yellowknife's given more and more support to people who need support," said Dave Gilday, the fundraising co-ordinator for the centre.

"Our basic construction target was $550,000 and that just gave use the required amount. That was the no-frills approach," said Gilday, adding the extra money will go towards programming at residents of the centre.

Among the many donations from corporations, businesses, and individuals were two incredible anonymous donations by citizens.

One fellow contributed $100,000 after taking Gilday into another room and saying he wanted to contribute funds anonymously.

"I just about fell off my chair," said Gilday.

Then, a lady donated $10,000 anonymously.

"She said right from the beginning 'I don't want anyone to know who gave this, but this will help you get started,'" said Gilday.

The extra funds will go towards not only programming, but making the centre feel "more like home" to the residents staying in it's 28 rooms, according to Greg Debogorski, executive director of the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS).

"We're going to be dealing with seniors that have afflictions like Alzheimer's disease, or related kinds of dementia. It will be for mild to moderate stages of dementia. Those residents will be living in the cottages," said Debogorski.

"Also, we'll have a day program for five to eight residents that may live at homes. What will happen is they'll come in for programming during the day, maybe two or three days a week, so it'll be more of a recreational program for them."

The therapy model used is non-medical, Debogorski said. It is recreational therapy to help relieve stress and provide activities for individuals stricken with dementia, as well as their families.

Admissions to the centre will be decided by an admissions committee, and the cost will be covered by the GNWT health care program.

Health Minister Sandy Lee agreed that the need for the Yellowknife centre is high.

"In Fort Simpson, Inuvik, Hay River, and Fort Smith, residents with dementia are being placed in long-term care facilities," said Lee. "In Yellowknife, those people are being placed in the hospital in extended care, which is much less personal," she continued.

The facility is to be the main one of it's kind in the Northwest Territories, taking in people from across the territory who need its care.

Debogorski said construction is expected to end by Dec. 21, and the centre itself is to open in mid to late January.