Vacation Getaways
Imagine what a few days in the country can mean for isolated seniors who spend most of their time inside the same four walls.
SOME MUCH-NEEDED TIME AWAY
Our Elder Friends can take a trip to one of our vacation lodges for the day, overnight or for anywhere up to a full week. At Domaine Juliette-Huot in Oka and Lac Saint-Joseph Lodge near Quebec City, they can breathe in the fresh country air, relax and participate in a full range of activities, no matter what their mobility level.
Total time spent at our vacation lodges in 2016: more than 2,000 person-days, enjoyed by 300 Elder Friends
YES, THE 75+ CROWD STILL LOOKS FORWARD TO SUMMER VACATION!
Aging-related physical and cognitive decline and social isolation mean that many elders in this age group have limited opportunities to get out and about, even to nearby destinations. This significantly reduces their chances to socialize with other people.
After months of being home- or room-bound, many of our Elder Friends yearn for a chance to visit the countryside. Our caring, committed volunteers are here to make this dream a reality.
The gift that keeps on giving
The excitement they feel in the days leading up to their vacation, the lasting bonds they forge there and the memories that remain etched in their minds, to be revisited time and time again… our Elder Friends don’t enjoy their experience for a day or two; they bask in it for months. And they can get together and reminisce with their fellow “campers” a few weeks after they get back at a special “reunion” meal.
“They’re so full of vim and vigour here. It’s great to see them in ‘vacation mode.’ It’s wonderful to spend time with them and see how happy they are.”
— Nicole Lafranchise, volunteer, at the New Year’s Day dinner at Domaine Juliette-Huot.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE
Shared mealtimes and the overall ambiance of the facilities make vacationers feel like they’re part of a family. These trips are more than a change of scenery – they’re an unforgettable experience attuned to their needs. They can talk to others about anything and everything under the sun, make new friends and create memories that will stay with them forever.
“Our volunteers all agree: a stay at Domaine Juliette Huot is a unique experience that nobody but Little Brothers can bring to life.”
— Nathalie Langlois, Volunteer Coordinator, Little Brothers – Sherbrooke
OUR VACATION FACILITIES
DOMAINE JULIETTE-HUOT (OKA)
Located on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains in Oka, Domaine Juliette-Huot boasts a breathtakingly beautiful setting and senior-friendly accommodations for up to 26 guests. The gardens and the woods outside, and the drawing room, fireplace and bedrooms inside, are all suited for use by Elder Friends of all ability and mobility levels. To call this place “magical” would be an understatement…
Have a closer look!
“It’s such a family experience that whenever any of us go to Domaine Juliette-Huot in Oka, we say we’re off to OUR cottage.”
—Simard, Elder Friend, as part of her touching testimonial on the benefits of the time spent in Oka, during the 2015 IMAX benefit.
The IMAX Night Out event at the Montreal Science Centre in the Old Port district raised funds to send 519 Elder Friends to Domaine Juliette-Huot in 2015.
LAC SAINT-JOSEPH LODGE (QUEBEC CITY AREA)
This peaceful haven overlooks the pristine waters of Lac Saint-Joseph. Elder Friends can soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings, while they enjoy wonderful times with wonderful people.
The Lac Saint-Joseph Lodge is generally used for day trips, although it does occasionally accommodate guests for overnight stays or longer.
Financial support for the Quebec City chapter of Little Brothers and Lac Saint-Joseph Lodge comes from Granfondo Garneau-Quebecor, a cycling event organized by Louis Garneau.
SUMMER AND WINTER VACATION ATTENDANTS WANTED!
Domaine Juliette Huot operates year-round. We are always looking for extra vacation attendants to pamper our Elder Friends, no matter what the season – because a little time away is good for the body, mind and spirit!
Interested in adding your personal touch to these vacation getaways?
ONLINE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
DOMAINE JULIETTE-HUOT (OKA)
450 479-6136
domainejuliettehuot@littlebrothers.ca
LAC SAINT-JOSEPH LODGE (QUEBEC CITY AREA)
418 683-5533
lacstjoseph@littlebrothers.ca