by Trail Champion editor on Monday October 24 2011
The next big project for the KBRH Health Foundation is underway as support builds for the purchase of digital mammogram equipment for Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
The 11 health care auxiliaries of the Kootenay Boundary — the KBRH Health Foundation — gathered Sept. 16 at the Prestige Mountain Resort in Rossland for their annual general meeting and announced their next big project of financial support.
The digital machine will enable more accurate diagnosis and more efficient treatment of breast cancer. An informative presentation by Technologist Susan DeRosa, radiologist Dr. Babensee, and Lisa Pasin, director of development of the Foundation, brought home the importance of this project. The auxiliaries have now pledged tens of thousands of dollars to help make this happen.
“The auxiliaries pride themselves in charity work that stays in the region, have no administration fees, and, through their fundraising, help to provide services in smaller centres that may take many years to reach us otherwise,” read a statement from the AGM report.
In this region just under 500 volunteers gave over 130,000 hours of service last year and raised close to $500,000. Across the province, auxiliaries contribute about $9 million.
There are thrift and gift shops, gardening projects, harvest festivals, teas and many more activities. An auxiliary-sponsored Santa makes an annual appearance to patients at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson.
Students all over the region may receive bursaries or scholarships from these auxiliaries. Every auxiliary welcomes new volunteers to help keep care and comfort foremost within our health care system.
Annual general meeting notes
- At the AGM members elected Honora Cooper of Kaslo as the new Kootenay Boundary area representative to the BC Association of Health-Care Auxiliaries. The current president of the auxiliary in Kaslo, Cooper brings diverse experience and genuine enthusiasm to the position.
- A highlight of the day was a presentation by physiotherapist Sandi Jewell and registered massage therapist Katharine Wadsworth of Kootenay Columbia Therapeutics on multidisciplinary approaches to health and wellness.
- The Golden City Fiddlers closed the day and, as they are loved by all and so very generous with their time, they stayed longer to serenade the participants as they left for their journeys home.
Thanks
The Foundation wishes to publicly thank the City of Rossland, Nelson District Credit Union, Ferraro Foods, Tech Metals Ltd., Trail Operations, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Area B, Interior Health, and Kootenay Insurance Services for their monetary sponsorship.
Their support helped make the conference a success. Also, thank you to Gabriella's Restaurants Ltd. /The Prestige Mountain Resort for providing a pleasant venue and a nice lunch. Next year's conference will be held in Grand Forks.
