When governments can’t or won’t provide funding for community projects, inevitably the citizens themselves step up, get at it and get it done.
Such is the case with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the most recent donation of funds for improvements at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.
The foundation, last week, turned over a cheque for close to $1.2 million to the Five Hills Health Region to go towards the $2 million improvements to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
This cheque represents the largest cheque ever produced by the foundation and its presentation was an overwhelming moment both for the foundation, its volunteers and staff, but also for the health region officials.
It was a stirring moment because that money was raised through the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and committed community donors and sponsors who realized their health care future was in their own hands.
From Festival of Trees to the annual Family First radiothon and Concerts in the Park to all manner of other community fundraising activities, the money has come from the heart, and in many cases, from former patients who required the care and attention of various hospital departments.
What better spokesperson than a man or woman whose life has been saved by the medical and nursing staff using equipment paid for by friends and neighbours.
This contribution will certainly provide additional impetus for the foundation to carry on with its mandate to provide state-of-the art equipment, to be housed in modern facilities, to provide the best health services possible for patients at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.
Thank you to the foundation in anticipation of its next cheque presentation.
