Dubbed “Mission Possible,” the Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s “Care Close to Home” campaign has made it no secret the district is supporting its goal to raise $3.5 million locally for renovations at La Verendrye and Emo hospitals.
In fact, more than $1 million already has been raised.
“The support has been overwhelming,” enthused Foundation chair Clare Brunetta, noting the largest donation was a five-year pledge of $500,000 from the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.
“Riverside staff alone have pledged over $56,000 to this campaign–this alone sends a very strong message to the community that these renovations are important and needed,” Brunetta added.
The announcement came during a presentation at the Townshend Theatre to both wrap up the two-day “stretcher push” between Rainy River and Fort Frances and introduce the campaign to the district in a full-blown fashion.
“It took two days to launch this campaign but it was well worth it,” said campaign chair John McTaggart, who walked alongside the procession and directed traffic.
“The 60-mile stretcher push across the Rainy River District carried the message of ‘Care Close to Home’ and it brought community members from across the district together for our goal of district-wide health care.
“My feet are tired but it was worth every step,” he added.
The push saw about 200 people comprised of more than 40 teams push a stretcher for two-km stretches starting from Rainy River hospital on Thursday morning.
The first leg wrapped up at the Emo Health Centre that evening, with the second leg ending Friday afternoon at La Verendrye hospital here.
“We are extremely pleased with the entire launch,” noted Foundation director Teresa Hazel. “The volunteers, the stretcher pushers, the entertainers, the community spirit, and the donors all combined to make the launch absolutely magical.
“Even the weather co-operated.”
Others, such as Wayne Woods, CEO of Riverside Health Care Facilities, said such a good start was a step in the right direction.
“This campaign is about patient care. One thing I know about the Rainy River District is we give our patients first-class care,” he noted. “But unfortunately, it’s in second-class facilities.
“But at the end of this, we’ll have first-class facilities and care truly will be moved closer to home,” he stressed.
Major donations (over $10,000) were recognized with presentations of oversized cheques at both a reception at the Emo Legion on Thursday night and the ceremony here Friday evening.
Major contributors included the Foundation board, Riverside board, and medical staff ($121,000); Riverside staff ($56,000); Knights of Columbus ($100,000); Township of Chapple ($50,000); Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Branch #24 ($25,000); Fort Frances Kiwanis ($25,000); The Place ($25,000); Normiska ($10,000); Emo Lions Club ($10,000); Township of La Vallee ($10,000); Emo Hospital Renovation Fund ($18,000); and Judson ML Trucking Ltd. ($21,000).
The balance, equalling in the tens of thousands, was comprised of donations under $10,000, such as the $5,000 donation made by Roseberry Runway in Barwick.
Friday’s event served as a sort of “thank you” to the community, with guests such as John “Byrd” Kempf flying home to emcee.
The host of the morning show on WRDX-FM in Philadelphia kept everyone laughing, and noted how, although it’s been a while since he’s to Fort Frances, the one word he’s always associated the area with is its sense of community.
“We were really honoured to have him here. He’s a very talented person who added a lot of professionalism to the show,” noted Hazel.
Other guests ranged from inspirational to entertaining. Both Riet Carnahan and Allison Agar, local chemotherapy and kidney transplant patients respectively, spoke on the efficient care they’ve received at district hospitals.
Joan Allison, Jim Krag, and Craig Sanders also talked on their experiences with the Foundation.
On a lighter side, performances included “A Tribute to Riverside Staff,” by Cara Coran and Myron Hawrylak; “A Celtic Experience” by the Fort Dance Studio; “Doctor, Doctor” (a humorous duet featuring Dr. Robert Algie and Lindsay Hamilton); a shadow play by several emergency nurses; “Somewhere Out There” by Jessica Hazel; and “From This Moment” by Kelly Moulik and Sarah Hebert.
Brian Hagarty and Cathy Richards also teamed up for a skit.
Meanwhile, with $2.5 million more still to be raised, the “Care Close to Home” campaign will continue to “stretch” its message this summer with presentations and information booths at events being held across the district.
“We want people to take the information, ask questions, and really consider giving a gift to this campaign,” noted McTaggart. “Our goal is $3.5 million by the end of September and we believe this is ‘Mission Possible!’”
Call the campaign office at 274-4803 for more information or to obtain a pledge card.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
