A loving hearty warms L'Arche's new building

Ted Bradshaw's spirit lives on in the planned $1-million residence

- WCR photo by Bill Glen Workers ply their trades on L'Arche's 10 unit Ted Bradshaw House scheduled to be completed this fall.

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Ted Bradshaw had a weak heart, but it was made of pure gold. He was a man whose genuine smile had a way of brightening the dreariest of days.

Ted also lived with functional disabilities that he never let get in his way.

In his honour, the L'Arche Association of Edmonton will name its new $1-million, 10-unit home in the Bonnie Doon area the Ted Bradshaw House.

"Ted came to us when other service providers said he was too old, in poor health and that he would not live much longer," said Grant Kaminski, executive director of L'Arche Association of Edmonton.

A loving home

His sister looked around and found L'Arche. Ted lived in L'Arche's Kateri House for five years until his death four years ago.

"He touched a lot of hearts. He really was a community person. Ted was friendly, compassionate and humorous. He was a gentleman. Everybody loved him immediately," Kaminski said.

L'Arche is an international organization of faith-based communities creating homes and day programs with people who have developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1964 in France by Jean Vanier, L'Arche means "the Ark" as a symbol of life, hope and covenant with God and humanity.

The new facility at 8516-89 St. will be home to six aging persons with developmental disabilities - core members - and four resident L'Arche assistants.

The home will allow L'Arche to free up spaces in five other houses in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, for new clients at-risk of homelessness. This increases their overall capacity to care for people with developmental disabilities, from 23 individuals to 29.

Ted Bradshaw

L'Arche held a three-week vigil in the U of A Hospital before Ted's heart finally stopped beating. His sister had moved to Bermuda, but flew back to Edmonton to be by his side.

When Kaminski told her that L'Arche would not leave as long as they were invited to stay, she told Kaminski she was grateful they cared so much about her brother. She also wanted to have a meeting to discuss a partnership.

A loving gift

Ted's sister returned to Bermuda to live with her daughter and son-in-law who works for an American billionaire. Kaminski got a telephone call from Ted's niece who said her mother could not stop talking about how L'Arche treated "her favourite uncle Ted." She wanted to do "something significant" for L'Arche.

"It turns out, they are donating $250,000 to the construction of this house," Kaminski said. "We still think Ted is helping us."

The house will have an elevator and a special tub and shower. Its south side will include an abundance of windows allowing for natural light and to help with heating bills.

Total living space in the two-storey building will be about 7,500 square feet. The garage will be heated so the core members will not have to experience the outdoor elements. Particular attention has been given to lighting and colours.

The new house will be ready for occupancy this fall.

Even with other donations, including more than $290,000 from the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund representing all three levels of government, L'Arche is still looking to finance some $249,000 by way of private donations and through its fundraising effort called the Cornerstone Campaign. The campaign declines contributions from foundations and organizations whose primary source of funding is derived from gaming.

Kaminski said this is a major undertaking for L'Arche.

"With a place like the Ted Bradshaw House, we will be able to care for those (aging) who are more severely disabled with dementia and less physically able to move. In the last three years, we have had to say goodbye to two people who went to other facilities that could care for them. It almost tore our heart apart."

L'Arche is also always looking to recruit and train resident (live-in) assistants. For more information, call (780) 465-0618.

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