home » the foundation » In the Media
In the Media
Semiahmoo House Society Recognized in the Media
6th Annual "A Taste of BC's Finest" Event
Employment Training Services Catering Crew Featured
Click here to see a video of Shaw TV's "The Express Show" featuring Semiahmoo House's Catering Crew (from about 1:20 to 4:15 of the video)
By Tracy Holmes - Peace Arch News
Published: February 25, 2010 4:00 PM
Updated: February 26, 2010 11:57 AM
A trio of Mounties in Red Serge received an enthusiastic welcome at Semiahmoo House Society Wednesday.
“This is my day!” Patrick Brough exclaimed as he greeted the three – all members of the RCMP Musical Ride team – with an ear-to-ear smile, cheers and handshakes.
Brough’s excitement was far from isolated as Consts. Ron Helpard and Keli Gaudet posed for photos with more than a dozen of the individuals who work, socialize, learn and grow at Semiahmoo House, an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Faces lit up at the chance to hold a 2010 Olympic torch – courtesy of Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Fraser MacRae, who ran one of the torch-relay legs in Surrey – flanked by the formally attired officers.
“I’ve never seen the Mounties in person – pretty close,” said Jamie Thompson.
Sharing the thrill of the Musical Ride with those who may not otherwise have the opportunity was the goal of the visit, said South Surrey Community Safety Officer Susan Caley, who arranged the appearance with help from CSO Amar Gill, crime prevention co-ordinator Pat LeBlanc and District 5 office co-ordinator Elsie Vose.
While the Ride is part of ongoing Olympic festivities, including twice-daily shows at Holland Park in North Surrey, there are many who are unable to attend, Caley said, citing physical and other disabilities as among factors that can stand in the way.
“We kind of wanted to target people who wouldn’t have an opportunity to get down to Holland Park.”
Plans for the visit originally included some of the 33 horses that have been dazzling crowds around Greater Vancouver with the choreographed drills that have earned the Musical Ride its international acclaim. Unfortunately, inclement weather forced cancellation of that appearance, for fear the horses might catch a chill.
Sgt. Jerry Mayo, a 27-year member of the Ride team said it is unfortunate the horses had to be cancelled. They have made guest appearances “pretty much every day” and are always a source of delight, he said.
“Everybody seems to really enjoy being around the horses so it’s been a lot of fun for us, too,” Mayo said.
Semiahmoo House’s Paul Wheeler said that although the visit lasted less than an hour, the excitement of those who experienced it lasted all day.
“It’s just a tremendous opportunity for them,” Wheeler said. “Having the Mounties here ... was a big thing.”
Wednesday’s entourage also paid a visit to seniors at Sunnyside Manor.
