“And it was all Women who made this happen.”
As Bob Hughes, ASK Wellness Society’s CEO, spoke to the large crowd gathered in front of Cookie’s Place, many were coming to terms with the enormity of what had just been achieved.
“Cookie's Place” is named after the fearless volunteer who was a force for good during the AIDS crisis in the 80’s. Cookie Reimer played a pivotal role in the formation of the organization that would later become the ASK Wellness Society. The building had its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 27th, 2022 with more than 100 people in attendance. The guests and onlookers were unfazed by the ferocious wind that was ripping through the valley during the ceremony, and there were loud cheers with each speech that was given, but none more-so than for Cookie herself.
Despite a two-year pandemic and associated delays and challenges, ASK Wellness Society remained committed to complete this important project to provide housing for some of the community’s most vulnerable. There were many doubts about whether the project would be feasible at its inception, but the determination of a few key individuals ensured that we would succeed. It did just that, and now provides many people with a place to call home. Two of those key individuals who were present during the ceremony were Natasha Taylor and Bevin Brown, project managers from D & T Developments. Natasha and Bevin were referenced in Hughes’ earlier speech that gave a special shoutout to the female-led company. Leanne Maloney, Manager of Seniors Housing, was given recognition in the speech for her efforts towards the project and for her ongoing dedication to the residents at Cookie’s Place. Also mentioned were Kim Galloway, Chief Operating Officer at ASK and Pamela Jacobson, Coordinator of the Maverick Recovery Program, which neighbours the building.
Cookie’s Place has 37 units which are dedicated to people over the age of 55. Located in Aberdeen near the Aberdeen Mall, the facility offers one-bedroom suites, including two accessible units.
For more information on the application process, please contact Leanne at l.maloney@askwellness.ca
