BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF –
southgreynews.ca
“These are exciting times,” said Darlene Lamberti, Centre Grey Health Services Foundation (CGHSF) Coordinator, buoyed by continued progress on the new hospital and tasked with managing the many initiatives undertaken by the Foundation this year.
Plans for the new Hospital in Markdale have entered phase 3.2. “This is the stage where the fit and finish is decided,” Lamberti explained. Beginning next week, the architects are hosting the next round of consultations with Foundation staff, hospital staff, physicians, and volunteers to review floorplans for the new hospital and ensure equipment and workspaces meet user needs. While the new hospital will be a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced facility, as much of the hospital’s current equipment will be transferred to the new building as is appropriate for the new space.
“The CGHSF mandate is to raise funds to support local healthcare,” Lamberti said, adding “not many people realize that the government does not fund all capital costs which must then be borne by the community. As the new hospital makes it’s way through planning phases with construction starting sometime around 2020, business carries on at the current facility. That means that work never ends for the Foundation which helps to pay for everything from medical equipment, patient monitors and security systems to beds, furniture and flooring.
Through in-memoriam donations, legacy giving and local fundraising efforts, the CGHSF endeavours to raise approximately $500,000 annually. “The Markdale hospital serves a large catchment area including numerous communities surrounding Markdale” said Lamberti, “so donations come in from all over.”
Some of the CGHSF fundraising events and activities have included the Biennial Silent Auction, Spring Concerts, Christmas Light for Life and Summer mailing campaigns as well as third-party events hosted by generous businesses and groups on behalf of the Foundation.
A new third-party event to be held this year is a Sea & Ski Realty Golf Tournament on Friday, July 20. The entrance fee will be $125 per player which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, a full steak dinner and prizes. Golfers interested in participating can call Sea & Ski at 1-800-861-7289.
The Biennial Silent Auction will take place July 11-14 on the floor of the Markdale Golf and Curling Club. A very popular local event that in the past has boasted over 700 items on display. The auction is accepting donations at the Foundation office at 55 Isla St. in Markdale from now until Monday, July 9th. Donation forms can also be found on their website.
Tax receipts are available where applicable. The Foundation is also looking for volunteers, if even for just a few hours, to help set up and manage the auction this year. Anyone interested in participating can call the Foundation at 519-986-3040 ext 6178.
In addition, a couple of CGHSF volunteer board seats will soon become available; one in June of this year and another two in 2019. The foundation committees are also always looking for people to volunteer. Anyone wishing to do so, can also contact the Foundation.
One of the biggest and most consistent supporters of the Foundation has been the Centre Grey General Hospital Auxiliary, which has contributed significantly over the years. Known locally for their management of The PennyWise Shoppe and Hospital Coffee Kiosk as well as many other events and activities, the Auxiliary has operated for the last 75 years. To honour their contributions, the CGHSF will be holding a naming recognition event on February 21. On that day, a plaque naming the Palliative Care room in honour of the group will be unveiled. “They really are rock stars,” said Lamberti. “This is an opportunity for us to show much we appreciate their support.”