The Editor,
Milan Ilich has been called a man who made dreams a reality. Certainly for the Richmond Caring Place he was that and more.
Over 20 years ago, a dedicated group of Richmond residents dreamed of a place where agencies and organizations, that helped people in need, could have a well-designed and centrally located building in which to deliver services and care for people.
Seventeen years ago, that building opened its doors, and each and every day its 12 social service tenant agencies provide services and support to Richmond residents.
The doors to the Richmond Caring Place would never have opened or even been built if it had not been for the generous support of Milan Ilich and his wife Maureen.
They believed in the dream, and through their generosity and commitment, it became a reality.
Their love for this community is definitely evident in the Richmond Caring Place.
I once had the pleasure of seeing Milan's collection of frog-themed items that decorated his office.
It seemed to me very appropriate that he collected frogs.
Frogs act like a compass for our ecosystems and quietly tell the world that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. Milan Ilich quietly recognized problems that needed to be fixed and understood the need to intervene.
He effectively set about fixing those problems by helping individuals and organizations, making his community and this world a better place.
The Richmond Caring Place board of directors, the staff, the tenants and the community of Richmond owe our gratitude to Milan Ilich for his forward thinking and his generosity.
For the past 17 years the Richmond Caring Place has been an important part of this community.
As the Board plans for expansion to meet the needs of our growing community, we will seek support from people in our community that feel compelled to make dreams come true.
The Richmond Caring Place will be honouring Mr. Ilich by planting a tree on the grounds of the Richmond Caring Place.
It will be a strong tree that will grow tall and remind us that he was truly a giant in our community who provided his support to those in need, allowing us all to grow in a community of caring.
Belinda Boyd Chair, Richmond Caring Place Society
