For the sixth summer running, an ongoing friendly rivalry heated up as staff from the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre and Jewish Eldercare Centre hit the basketball court, with both teams vying to capture the Planetree Trophy.
“It’s all about having fun,” says Robert Ford, the Supervisor of hygiene and safety at Maimonides, who took an active role in recruiting players. “I was out there rallying the guys and ladies leading up to the match, posting notices in the eating lounge, approaching players from years’ past and encouraging them to bring along their colleagues.”
The teams met up for the June 6 game at a gym in the City of Cote Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation Department. They upheld a multidisciplinary spirit on the courts, uniting PAB, kitchen, housekeeping and nursing staff. Rosalie Dion, Associate Director of the Support Program for the Autonomy of Seniors (SAPA), Long-Term Care, has worn a jersey for both sides over the years.
“These friendly matches foster a great camaraderie among our employees,” says Joanie Robidoux, Chief of the Patient Experience Office. “For us, the game is also a way to recognize the staff’s dedication to our residents.”
Mr. Ford, who played in the inaugural game six years ago, says that organizers hope to expand to other centres throughout the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal. “We envision a tournament—the more staff that participate, the more competitive fun we’d have.”
The sites are tied at three wins each. “Everybody had a great time, we’re all looking forward to playing again,” maintains Mr. Ford. “That said, we’ll never return the trophy!”
