John Gordon Home marks 20th anniversary

Photos by Mike Maloney/London Community News/Twitter: mdmaloneyphoto It was an occasion bringing together old friends, past volunteers and like-minded individuals as the John Gordon Home (JGH) marked the occasion of its 20^th anniversary on Thursday evening (Aug. 23). “This day is a very special day.,” said Shaila Beaudrey, President of the John Gordon House Board of Directors. “Not only does it give us a chance to reflect on our past and how far we have come, but to look forward to the future,” she added. The event was a casual affair for guests, which included live entertainment, a few short speeches, light refreshments and snacks before the planting of a tree in memory of memory of former JGH executive director Sam Conte — the driving force behind obtaining the funding to construct the current facility. Incorporated as the London Regional AIDS Hospice in 1991, the facility — which was originally located on Dufferin Avenue — was initially established to provide end-of-life care for people with HIV / AIDS said Bruce Rankin, Executive Director of the John Gordon Home. Now housed in a fully accessible, facility near the corner of Pall Mall and Adelaide Street, Gordon notes how the home has transformed over the years. “We have evolved into a program that provides primarily a wellness program for people with HIV and Hepatitis C to get well and move on.”  Find us on Facebook: London Community News