Ernie and Jan Harris’ journey is a testament to a life lived in service and partnership. Originally educators in Grenada, their move to Canada led to careers dedicated to nurturing minds and building communities. Their strong family values and deep faith, rooted in loving ties to their respective aging grandmothers, built a foundation of giving back through their time, musical talents and donations.
Following his ‘retirement’ in 2013, Ernie’s call to pastoral ministry at the Nairn church deepened his community involvement, leading to a role on Craigwiel’s Board. Ernie stepped in as acting CEO in 2018, responding to a need for leadership and stability. Over the next six months, he stabilized operations, improved staff morale and helped lay the groundwork for future growth. Stepping aside when a new CEO was hired, Ernie returned in 2020 to once again take on the leadership role until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, he viewed his work as a ministry, fostering a spirit of collaboration and service, culminating in the establishment of a financial Shared Services Agreement with Fairview Mennonite Homes in Cambridge.
Ernie expresses immense pride in the Craigwiel team, acknowledging the extraordinary dedication of the staff and the resilience and cooperation of the residents and their families, particularly during challenging times.
As CEO, Ernie recognized the potential of what a new, modern LTC home would offer residents, staff and the community. “I am immensely proud of the Craigwiel team, the residents and their families,” says Ernie. “They showed extraordinary dedication and resilience during the pandemic.” Ernie and Jan’s experience with their aging grandmothers underscored their desire to help residents thrive. They recognized the limitations of the existing infrastructure and the immense potential a new home would offer to both residents and the dedicated staff.
Their decision to contribute significantly to the new Craigholme is a natural extension of their lifelong commitment to service and their deeply held faith.
“When we were growing up in a Baptist Church in Grenada, every January we had to make a faith pledge,” says Ernie. “In addition to what you knew you were going to give, you made an additional pledge to God above the tithe and trusted God would provide to make that happen. We believe our material possessions are loans from God. If others need what we have, we share. We are giving back from a place of abundance.”
This principle has guided Ernie and Jan’s philanthropy throughout their lives, from sponsoring children’s education to supporting various community initiatives. They saw the urgent need for improved facilities at Craigwiel and felt compelled to respond generously as an act of faith and a way to tangibly express their values.
“We hope to make it possible for seniors to enjoy a beautiful, contemporary environment to complement the excellent care the staff provides,” Ernie explains. “We also hope the home will attract and encourage qualified people to join the team, instilled with a sense of pride. We are impressed with the collective effort to build a new Craigholme that will ultimately strengthen the entire community.” Reflecting on their significant contribution, Ernie shares, “We are blessed and privileged that we were able to contribute in this way. God has blessed us so we can bless others. For the past 54 years, Jan and I have been able to serve people, regardless of context or situation.” Their life’s mission is beautifully summarized in Jan’s embrace of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy: “We live simply so others may simply live.”
