Columbia House Enhancement Society
The Columbia House Enhancement Society (CHES) is a Canadian registered nonprofit organization (Business Registration Number: 720085497RR0001) dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Columbia House, a 35-bed long-term care facility in Invermere, British Columbia. Established in April 2017 as an initiative of Columbia House's Family Council, CHES focuses on creating therapeutic environments and programs for elderly residents and younger individuals with complex health needs, including neuromuscular diseases, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis[1][2][4].

Mission and Activities
CHES’s primary mission is to fund and implement projects that promote sensory enrichment, social connection, and emotional well-being. Its flagship project is the Healing Garden, a two-acre therapeutic green space adjacent to Columbia House designed by landscape architect Chris Gent. The garden provides residents, staff, and community members with a natural retreat for relaxation and activities, emphasizing accessibility and horticultural therapy[1][2].

Collaborations
The society operates in partnership with Interior Health, the provincial health authority administering Columbia House, and receives support from donors and community organizations such as the Columbia Valley Community Foundation[1][5]. CHES also collaborates with nearby care facilities, including Columbia Garden Village Assisted Living and Ivy House Long Term Care Facility, to extend its impact across the Columbia Valley region[2][5].

Governance
CHES is governed by a volunteer board and operates through charitable donations and grants. Its work aligns with broader efforts to integrate nature-based care into long-term health facilities, emphasizing dignity and compassionate support for vulnerable populations[4][5].