A family barbecue with residents, family members and staff at Porteous Lodge took place Friday to mark the facility’s 60th anniversary.

The lodge located on Avenue P in the city’s Mount Royal neighbourhood provide assisted living care to older adults, including 45 year-old Debi Funk who has been a resident at Porteous Lodge for nearly two years.

Funk says the residents and staff members at the home are more than friends. “This is a great environment and a real family.” says Funk.

She adds the lodge always has fun events planned including a trip out to a cabin at Wakaw Lake each summer which allows the residents to enjoy the outdoors by roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.

Sarah Willougby who has worked at the west side home for a decade says every resident means something to her as she has no kids of her own.

Willoughby adds if she needs someone to talk to, the residents are the people who have always been there for her.

More than a hundred people attended the 60th anniversary barbecue which included a beer garden and musical entertainment.