Job well done

Royal Canadian Navy Veteran Richard Ratcliffe reflects on major milestones for the Veterans Centre made possible by Sunnybrook’s donor community

Richard Ratcliffe is a born leader. The 96-year-old Navy Veteran served for close to 25 years on 12 warships, including captaining HMCS Qu’Appelle at the height of the Cold War, and two tours during the Korean War.

Now, Richard is one of some 200 Veterans who call Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre home. It is the largest facility of its kind in Canada, delivering exceptional care and experiences to residents and Veterans of the Second World War, Korean War and Cold War.

So many of these enriching experiences are made possible thanks to Sunnybrook’s donor community and support for Sunnybrook’s Veterans Comfort Fund, which provides residents with memorable events, entertainment and innovative equipment to enhance their quality of life.

I want our donors to know their biggest impact is helping us get out of our rooms to do the activities we love,” says Richard of programming that includes brain aerobics, art classes, pet therapy, music making and song-writing sessions.

Setting sail

This summer, Richard was back on the water – this time as one of more than 20 Sunnybrook Veterans cruising along the shores of Lake Muskoka aboard the majestic replica steamship Wenonah II.

The two-hour donor-funded excursion was part of the Recreation Therapy Program at Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre, which is Canada’s largest recreation program. It’s where Katherine Baldwin works together with a team of more than 30 art, music, horticultural and recreation therapists as Manager, Recreation Therapy & Creative Art Therapies.

These types of outings into the community are often the highlight for many of our Veterans,” says Katherine. “These trips focus on what is important and meaningful to them, bring joy and enhance their quality of life.”

Reflecting on his return to the water, Richard says: “The scenery and weather were great, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.”

From Captain to Council leader

It is perhaps no surprise that a man who once stood on the captain’s bridge quickly rose to become president of the Veterans Council. With donor support, Richard spearheaded initiatives to improve the lives of his fellow Veterans.

Richard was at the helm of one such initiative: the 100 Club, which celebrates Veterans who reach their 100th birthday. To mark the momentous occasion, Richard and his fellow Veterans designed a zip-up fleece vest embroidered with the Sunnybrook logo, a poppy and the words 100 Club, printing a total of 100 thanks to donor generosity.

It is always so wonderful to see our residents engaged and excited for new initiatives like this,” says Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Medical Director of the Veterans Centre.

With a nod to his Navy days, Richard also launched the Bravo Zulu Award (a naval signal meaning “well done”). The original award was handed to sailors conducting flawless sea manoeuvres, but at Sunnybrook it is for Veterans who distinguish themselves through accomplishments, which may include involvement with recreation and creative arts activities. Richard recalls fondly one of his dear friends who was delighted to design the Brave Zulu Award, creating beautiful glass sculptures as the award is given.

More major milestones

Richard was also an early champion of the critical revitalization effort to restore Sunnybrook’s Cenotaph, , erected to honour the sacrifice made by Canadians returning from war and to serve as a daily reminder of our gratitude for their service.

On June 6, 2024, as the world marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Richard was among many in attendance at its rededication.

Thanks to the support of our donor community, including Westmount and the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command, and funds raised by the beloved Operation Raise a Flag campaign, the Cenotaph is now even more welcoming and comfortable.

The Centotaph features a holistic design approach, recognizing the monument and adjacent grounds are a key part of annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and accessed every day as a place of quiet retreat for Veterans, families and Sunnybrook staff.

The Procession Walkway is now framed by new lighting and memorial signs that remember and honour Veterans who served and continue to serve Canada. An accessibility ramp, plus new seating, flagpoles and refreshed outdoor spaces elevate the space as a place of memory and gathering.

“Sunnybrook’s Cenotaph is a place of beauty and tranquility,” says Richard, who recalls Remembrance Day festivities as a child in his hometown of St. Catharine’s, with his own father having served in the First World War.

This place is special

More upgrades are underway for our Veterans. Construction continues for the Peter Cipriano Centre for Seniors Health, and key spaces within the Veterans Centre are now in the final phases of being relocated and renovated to modernize them and integrate new equipment.

Notably this includes the library branch as well as the physiotherapy and occupational therapy gyms, games room, reception area and speech-language pathology.

For Richard, Sunnybrook will always be a special place, and these improvements ensure he enjoys his days engaging in enriching activities, like the hook art he produces in his spare time. He beams with pride at a recent tapestry he made of one of the ships he served on, hung up on his bedroom wall.

Looking back on his storied career, Richard says leading has always come naturally to him: “You put your country first and do your level best. I’ll always be a Canadian sailor, and here at Sunnybrook, I feel pride for how we served our country and how Sunnybrook serves us with a very special place indeed.”