SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Residents of the Mary Murphy seniors' home are sitting pretty today after the donation of three brand new, very comfortable wingback chairs.

Residents and benefactors gathered at the Mary Murphy seniors' home April 27 for the official presentation of three new wingback chairs donated by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, Elks Lodge #314 and Quality Furniture. Those at the presentation include Richard Jalbert, legion vice-president, top row left, Jeannie Howie, with the Elks, Jennie Rocher, Quality Furniture and Terry Banks; residents John Pierce, bottom row left, Mildred Wilkey and Ronald Whalen. - John McFadden/NNSL photo

Terry Banks, whose wife Phyllis Banks is the caretaker at the seniors' home on 52 Street, noticed recently the three chairs in a common area were getting a little worn out. He also knew there would be no money to replace them, so he reached out to several community organizations for help.

"The old chairs were here when we got here 14 years ago," said Banks. "I don't know how long they were here before that. "We asked the Legion, the Elks and Quality Furniture for help because I felt the seniors deserved it."

Banks said that the Royal Canadian Legion 164 and the Elks Lodge #314 each contributed $1,300 and Jeannie Rocher, owner of Quality Furniture knocked $400 of the retail price of the chairs. They were delivered to the home early last week. The residents said they couldn't be happier.

"They are very, very comfortable and keep your back straight. The other ones were comfortable too but were completely worn out," said resident Ronald Whalen. "It's surprising that people actually care out there about what happens to old people. We're all lucky to have an apartment here."

John Pierce, also a resident of the home, said it is nice to have new chairs and it helps him "restore a sense of dignity."

Resident Mildred Wilkey was positively beaming as she sat in one of the new chairs.

"I love these chairs. Are you kidding?" said Wilkey. "Look at them. Look at how nice and comfortable they are. That's the wonderful thing about these chairs." She added she was very appreciative of the groups that donated them.

Richard Jalbert, first vice-president of the Yellowknife legion, said his members felt it was important to donate to this worthy cause.

"It feels great to be part of the community and donate to as many organizations as we can as often as we can," he said.

Jennie Howie, exalted ruler of the Elk's Club, said this donation was right up the club's alley.

"We very proudly focused on donating to different groups like seniors' groups and youth groups," she said. "It makes all of us very proud to be able to donate money to this cause. It is something we have been doing since 1948."

The old chairs have now been donated to the downtown Safe Harbour Day Centre. They were being used by people when Yellowknifer dropped by the shelter Wednesday.