Thank You Moose Jaw !

Festival of Trees 2009

$200,000

Raised for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's

Lend a Healing Hand Campaign

On Saturday, November 14th more than 360 guests attended the premier sold-out gala event of the Christmas Season – the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's – Festival of Trees. Over $200,000 was raised during an evening featuring a lavish French meal expertly prepared by Chef Scott, gala auction and dance.

  The Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, generously contributed and purchased auction items, volunteered their time, and made cash donations. All of the proceeds from Festival will go towards the purchase of new state-of-the-art surgical lights and equipment for the operating theatres of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital .

A special thanks to the Festival of Trees Committee Chair Laurie Kosior, Randee Waldo, Barbarah Teriann, Penny Gibson-Lang, Bernie Doepker, Jim & Liz Allen, Sherryn Boszak, Festival volunteers, sponsors, Darlene Geib and Heritage Inn staff have truly made a difference in the lives of patients at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital – thank you.

Nursing Scholarship Awarded

Teryn Burgess full-time second year SIAST Nursing Education program student becomes the third recipient of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Tom Joseph Memorial Award scholarship established by friends and family who knew Tom Joseph, who was a nurse in the Five Hills Health Region. Presenting the scholarship to Teryn at SIAST in Regina is Moose Jaw Health Foundation Executive Director Kelly McElree. Teryn plans to live and work in Moose Jaw upon graduation.

Tim Hortons Makes Smiles Happen at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital

Starting on Monday, September 21st there will be even more smiling faces at Moose Jaw Tim Hortons. While supplies last, customers can purchase a special smiling chocolate chip cookie for $1.00 plus taxes and all the proceeds will be donated to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.

“Tim Hortons is thrilled to help bring smiles to the patients of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital through our annual Smile Cookie fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation,” says Don and Kathy Howe, Tim Hortons Store Owners. “The success of the program would not be possible without the support and generosity of our customers. On behalf of all the Moose Jaw Tim Hortons Staff, I would like to thank all our customers for their continued support of this meaningful cause.”

“We are delighted that our local Tim Hortons has once again chosen the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to be the recipient of the proceeds from their Smile Cookie campaign,” says Bob Fielding, Volunteer Chairman of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.” Each and every dollar raised from the Smile Cookie Campaign will stay in our community to help our friends and family that require surgical care services at our hospital.

Funds from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie fundraiser will go towards the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Lend a Healing Hand Campaign to purchase urgently needed surgical equipment for the Moose Jaw Union Hospital . Last year over 6000 surgeries were performed at the hospital.

Thank You for Participating!

Concert of Hope Raises $100,000

Auctioneer “Cowboy Chad,” left, and Dustin Dion, right, auction off a Roughriders package at the Concert of Hope on Saturday evening. Myles Fish of the Moose Jaw Times Herald photograph and story,

A lot of pink is resulting in a boatload of green.

Organizers of the Concert of Hope — A Pink Tie Affair — began with the goal of raising $20,000 to purchase a piece of minimally invasive surgical equipment, which will help with the early detection of breast cancer, for the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.   But after the culmination of the concert Saturday night, the $20,000 figure is well in the rear view mirror.

“The total cheque we're going to write for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation will be $100,000,” said organizer Jared Mathieson. Mathieson, along with Chris McKee, Emili Sagal and Shelley Hill, founded and organized the event, which featured three musical acts along with auctions, a ring raffle, a pink carpet and champagne.

The night opened with a video of cancer survivor Sheri-Lee Levay detailing her battle with the disease. When the video screen rose, singer/songwriter Victoria Banks sang the Melissa Etheridge song I Stand For Life surrounded by Levay and other breast cancer survivors.  And when Banks strummed her final note and punched her fist in the air, the survivors on their feet around her, the near sell-out crowd at the Mae Wilson Theatre leapt to its feet and delivered a rousing standing ovation. It was a moment Mathieson described as incredible.

“(With that moment) we wanted to break down the barrier of what we're actually doing and how we're trying to make a difference for people in the community because our whole idea was to keep the money in the community,” he said.  Mathieson was floored by the generosity shown by everyone involved in the event.  “I just want to thank everybody,” said Mathieson, “Mosaic, every community business we went to and gave money and everyone who attended. They all gave more than we ever expected.”

He specifically thanked Mosaic and Brad DeLorey of Mosaic who won tickets to an Alan Jackson concert in the live auction and promptly gave them to Levay. Mosaic also matched the $3,850 winning bid for a Saskatchewan Roughriders' package.

Mathieson also gave glowing reviews of the three performers: Banks, Codie Prevost and Sean Hogan. Not only did they each do the show for free, he said, but they also donated significant amounts to the cause.  Mathieson said the feedback he has received has been very favourable, with many saying it was unlike anything they have ever been to before. And while the concert is just over, thoughts are already turning to an encore.  “I got a phone call from McKee (Sunday) morning. He's already thinking about (doing it again next year).

Warriors Room Unvieled

Spending time in the hospital is never fun, especially if you're a kid.  But things just got a bit better thanks to the Moose Jaw Warriors, the Health Foundation and McDonald's Restaurant.

The new "Warriors' Room" in the Moose Jaw Union Hospital's Pediatrics ward was unveiled Tuesday. The room includes flooring that resembles a hockey rink, rink boards surround the room and a giant mural of a cheering crowd covers one wall and also doubles as an eye-spy game for the kids. There's even a wall for autographs when players and alumni stop by for a visit.

Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Kelly McElree is very pleased with the outcome.

"Every kid is going to want to stay in here because its fantastic. Hospitals don't need to be a scary place. There's enough challenges as there is. It'll be comforting for parents to because the kids are going to have a blast in here."

The "Warriors' room" was made possible by the "One Step at a Time Campaign" where a dollar from every Big Mac sold on Warrior game days last season went to the project. There were also some cash donations including $2,500 from Warrior Alumni Kent Hayes and Mike Keane.

Concerts in the Park 2009

Toes were tapping all throughout summer as the Moose Jaw Health Foundation held the 15th Annual Concerts in the Park in Crescent Park. Over $9,000 was raised in the collection held during the intermission at the shows.

This year funds from Concerts in the Park will go towards the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's campaign to revitalize the surgical unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital with new state-of-the-art medical equipment. This year Concerts in the Park was sponsored by Investors Group who not only provided outstanding sponsorship, they volunteered their time helping other Foundation volunteers in the collection. Representing Investors Group (left to right) are Vern Fritzler, Jack Ross and Robbin Schick and Al Church (not pictured) as they present Foundation Executive Director Kelly McElree with their sponsorship donation of $2,200.

Concerts in the Park will return next year with fantastic free entertainment for the whole family. Thank you to all the volunteer musicians, donation collectors and donors for another wonderful year to help our hospital.

Thank You Moose Jaw !

Radiothon 2009

$237,874 (and still counting!)

On Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th donors from Moose Jaw and surrounding area generously supported the 3rd Annual Moose Jaw Health Foundation and 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon. Over $237,874 was raised for new surgical equipment to help patients in their battle with colorectal cancer!

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to every donor, business and service organization that generously donated and volunteered their time.

A special thanks to an anonymous donor for their donation of $50,000 and Mosaic for their $30,000 donation to help surpass the $200,000 goal. Each and every dollar will help purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment to further improve surgical services at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital .

Celebration 2009

Bob Fielding Volunteer Chairman of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (middle) recently presented a $650,000 cheque to Vice Chair of the Five Hills Health Region Don Shanner (right) and Craig Beesley Executive Director of Strategy and Communications for the Five Hills Health Region (left). The cheque presented at the Foundation's 2009 Celebration will be invested by the Health Region in the renovation and revitilization of the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

The Little Princess Ball

A Fairy Tale Ending

Pictured above Princess Ariel and Princess Ashlyn McElree

The conference room at the Heritage Inn was transformed into a fairy tale dreamland complete with Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and plenty of other princesses Saturday night for the Little Princess Ball.

And 163 little princesses were there, loving every minute of a day they are not likely to soon forget.  The event, a fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, featured plenty of pink — from flowers, placemats and popcorn to a pink carpet which led attendees into the decorated room.

Sydney Woodrow, 4, lived a dream come true at the ball. She said her favourite part was “seeing the (Disney) princesses,” especially Ariel from The Little Mermaid.   Woodrow even got to give a hug to another one of the surprise guest stars — “Hannah Montana.”

There was plenty for Woodrow and the other little princesses and queens — the mothers and grandmothers — to do. With everything princess-themed, there were puzzles, books, crafts, an inflatable castle and a dance, which featured nearly a dozen Disney characters.   “Cinderella,” played by Jennifer Brooks, was one of the stars on display. She was kept busy, dancing constantly, at an event she called “amazing.”

“I'm exhausted and my feet are killing me, but it's so worth it,” she said.  Another one of the princesses, “Sleeping Beauty,” truly played the part, lying motionless on a bed for three hours, even as she received the occasional poke from one of the little girls.

Event co-chairwoman Amy Ofstie was floored by the effort of the Disney princesses.  “They came from heaven. I can not say enough about those girls. They made our event.”    At the end of the evening, Ofstie said everything went splendidly, but she was not quite sure how to feel.  “I'm happy that it went well and people enjoyed their time, but I'm kind of sad because that was four months of our lives planning this and pouring everything into it, and now it's over,” said Ofstie. Her committee is already thinking about what to do next year.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation Executive Director Kelly McElree was at the ball and was overwhelmed by the entire experience.  “The idea of princesses leads a person to imagine what the event could be. Well, I think this surpassed everyone's imagination. This is the start of something wonderful for Moose Jaw,” said McElree.  McElree brought his daughter to the event. “I've never seen her smile this much,” he said

The Little Princess Ball was the second fundraiser put on by Ofstie and her committee. The first, the Little Princess Auction held two weeks ago, raised $16,000 for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.  All funds raised will go towards the renovation of a room at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.   

Story by Myles Fish of the Moose Jaw Times Herald.

Thank You Moose Jaw !

Intensive Care Campaign Goal Achieved

  $1,300,000

for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's

Intensive Care Campaign

  The Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously contributed to the renovation and revitalization of the Intensive Care Unit. Every dollar raised will stay in our community to help critically ill patients in the Moose Jaw Union Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

On behalf of the Volunteer Board of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, doctors, nurses, therapists, healthcare workers and patients at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital – a heartfelt thank you. You have made a difference!

  For more information on how you can make a difference visit the Moose Jaw Health Foundation website www.mjhf.org or call 694-0373.

Festival of Trees 2008

$225,000 Raised for the ICU

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Festival of Trees kicked-off the holiday season with a cool, cosmopolitan Christmas on Saturday night raising over $225,000 for the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital .

The gala evening began as 400 guests enjoyed a leisurely stroll through a winter wonderland of incredibly unique Christmas trees, and festive auction items. Craig Hemingway and Lori Dean, as Masters of Ceremonies, began the evening by introducing special guests Dr. George Miller, and Chairman of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Robert Fielding. Dinner was delicious prime rib and chicken with pesto with all the trimmings followed by a selection of decadent desserts and liqueurs.

The highlight of this gala event was the auction. World renowned auctioneer Don Peacock of Peacock Auction Services and Alana Belik energized and entertained the crowd throughout the evening.

Funds will be directed towards the renovation and revitalization of the Intensive Care Unit. Each and every dollar will go towards the construction of critical care rooms that will help critically ill patients on their road to recovery. Last year alone over 600 people utilized the services offered within the five bed Intensive Care Unit.

The most touching moment of the night came when Dr. George Miller spoke to the crowd at the end of the live auction. He told why the ICU was so important to patient health and that it would help save lives everyday at the Union Hospital . Supporters began raising their voice, pledging an additional $40,000 to revitalize the ICU. Following the auction everyone danced to the rocking tunes of “Tyme”.

Chairman of the Health Foundation, Bob Fielding believes the success of the Festival of Trees is due to the dedication of Festival Chair Laurie Kosior, Randee Waldo, Barbarah Teriann, Penny Gibson-Lang, Liz Allen, Bernie Doepker and Jim Allen. “The Foundation's volunteers are deeply committed to ensuring patients receive the best healthcare available. Their passion for Moose Jaw and our hospital was demonstrated throughout the evening.”

The Ninth Annual Festival of Trees Family brunch was held the following day and over 275 people attended. Supporters were treated to a wonderful brunch at the Heritage Inn and a viewing of the Trees and auction items from the gala.

Foundation Honours Donors

Dr. Fauzi Ramadan thanks donors for their support at the 4th Annual Healthcare Philanthropy Awards.

On Friday, November 7th the Moose Jaw Health Foundation honoured three organizations for their generousity. The Moose Jaw Health Foundation Healthcare Philanthropy Awards were created to honour individuals and organizations that partner with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to directly enhance patient care at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. Over 75 people attended the event. This year three organizations were receipients including the Moose Jaw Horizon Running Club, Mosaic and the Kinsmen Foundaiton.

Dawn Luhning accepts on behalf of the Moose Jaw Horizons Running Club

The Moose Jaw Horizon Running Club created the Moose Jawg that is held on Canada Day morning. Hundreads of participants each year run in the event that supports the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. The event is a true symbol of the communinty coming together to support the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

Brad Delorey of Mosaic accepts the award on behalf of Mosaic.

Mosaic was the second receipient of a Healthcare Philanthropy Award. Mosaic has been a supporter of Festival of Trees for many years and was an inspirational leader of the first Radiothon and a significant contributior of the second Family First Radiothon.

Keith and Laurie Hall along with Charlene Duckworth of the Kinsmen Foundation accept the award.

The Kinsmen Foundation received their Healthcare Philanthropy Award for their contribution for the construction of a new negative pressure islolation room in the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. The isolation room is made possible from contributions from Telemiracle.

Registered Nurse Christine Reay poses with a new monitor in the ICU

Festival of Trees - A Cool - Cosmopolitan - Christmas

The Christmas tradition of giving continues as the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Festival of Trees gets under way on Saturday, November 22nd at the Heritage Inn. This year's theme ‘A Cool – Cosmopolitan – Christmas' is sure to bring an extra spark of glamour to the event of the year with a shimmering touch of elegance.

Festival of Trees gets bigger and better every year, raising funds for the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. This year's proceeds will be directed towards the renovation and revitalization of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Last year alone, over 600 people utilized the Hospital's ICU.

Funds from festival will help build private patient rooms in the ICU. The new rooms will provide privacy, and help prevent the spread of airborne infectious diseases. The renovation will help patients on their road to recovery, and assist the hospital's caring physicians and nurses to provide event better 24 hour continuous care. Chairman of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Robert Fielding said, “We are hoping that funds from Festival will help the Foundation build one, hopefully two rooms in the ICU.” Given that one in four people make use of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital each year, and the ICU has not received a renovation in 35 years, funds from Festival of Trees are urgently needed to overcome this challenge. Without the Intensive Care Unit, the hospital would be unable to provide critical care services for patients in their time of need.

Due to the overwhelming generosity of businesses and individuals the Foundation raised over $225,000 at the annual event last year for critical care monitors that will be used in the renovated ICU, and hopes are high that this year's Festival will surpass that mark. The evening includes a spectacular meal, fantastic music and so much more. The highlight is always the Gala's auction of uniquely decorated trees, other Christmas items, and cash auction.

“The Festival's volunteer committee is once again led by the talented Laurie Kosior and has been hard at work for months in preparation of this outstanding event. When guests enter the Heritage Inn their breath will be taken away with what they see. Over a hundred volunteers make this event have a special place in the heart of the community.” said Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. “The community rallies behind Festival because everyone recognizes the importance of quality healthcare and the impact the Union Hospital has in their life. Festival provides many businesses and individual a way to show their support of the Union Hospital each year. The Foundation cannot say thank you enough for their support over the years. These outstanding community businesses and individuals are true leaders in the community”.

Tickets are available at the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Office in Moose Jaw, by calling Sherryn Boszak at 694-0373. The price remains at $75 each. Please reserve your tickets early; this event sells out each and every year.

Cornerstone of Care Campaign Kicks-Off with a Major Gift

Dr. Falah Majid, Specialist Internal Medicine at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital explains how the gift from the Moose Jaw Union Hospital Auxiliary will enhance patient care in the Intensive Care Unit.

Today, the Moose Jaw Health Foundation kicked-off its major campaign for the year. The Moose Jaw Union Hospital Auxiliary presented a $125,000 cheque to build a new private patient room in the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. The Cornerstone of Care Campaign focuses on an extensive renovation of the 35 year old ICU. Funds raised during the campaign will help:

• build four new, private patients rooms in the ICU to help prevent cross contamination, provide comfort, and privacy for patients and their families dealing with life altering situations;
• create a new state-of-the-art nursing station to help ICU medical professionals monitor and respond instantly to the needs of critical care patients;
• develop a new dedicated physicians area to provide doctors with access to mobile imaging technology;
• redevelopment of the medication area to provide the ICU team with instant access to life saving medication;
• and create a new surgical recovery area for patients following major surgery.

Leona Shepherd, President of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital Auxiliary said, "I hope that this donation serves to inspire other individuals, groups and organizations to support the Moose Jaw Union Hospital's Cornerstone of Care Campaign. We all know of friends and family who have benefited from the wonderful care provided by ICU doctors, nurses and health technicians."

Patients admitted to the ICU are critically ill, unstable, in need of intensive treatment and continuous monitoring by highly trained medical professionals. ICU patients typically have had major surgery or suffered a major medical event like a heart attack or stroke and require around-the-clock highly specialized care. Last year over 600 patients received care in the ICU which represents an 18% increase in the last two years.

Including last year's Festival of Trees, and the successful Family First Radiothon, the Cornerstone of Care Campaign represents nearly a $1 million dollar commitment by the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to directly improving critical care for patients in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. Without the ICU many surgeries could not be performed at the hospital, patients and their families would be forced to travel to receive treatment and many specialists would be unable to practice in Moose Jaw.

14th Annual Concerts in the Park

The bands have put away their instruments for another year. The 14th Annual Concerts in the Park raised over $7,500. Residents of Moose Jaw are in for a musical treat as Concerts in the Park will once again return next year to entertain Moose Jaw throughout the summer.

This year funds from Concerts in the Park will go towards the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's campaign to renovate the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

Volunteers Create a Legacy of Care

Gerry Westgard (right) and Kelly McElree (left) present Bethany Driedger full-time second year SIAST Nursing Education program student the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Tom Joseph Memorial Award scholarship.

Gerry Westgard as a volunteer Board Member of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation strongly believes in helping the Moose Jaw Union Hospital overcome current and future challenges. Gerry recently named the Moose Jaw Health Foundation as a beneficiary in his estate plan. This is his way of ensuring that health care services at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital will remain close to home for future generations.

"I feel that the doctors and nurses at the Union Hospital are simply the best, but as a volunteer Board Member for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, I see first hand the challenges they face every day. I know that a gift in my will helps the Health Foundation helps health care professionals meet these challenges head-on.," states Gerry.

Gerry has had a long relationship with the Health Foundation. He inscribed the donor bricks in the main entrance of the Union Hospital . Upon moving back to Moose Jaw, he committed himself to a number of community projects including the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. He has become an advocate for improving health care for all in Moose Jaw and is not shy in stating that a legacy gift in an individual's will can greatly aid the Health Foundation in purchasing essential medical equipment that will save lives every day at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

“My children are all grown and I am proud of what they have accomplished in their life. They do not need me to leave them some money. I want to make a difference and help the hospital like it has helped my family. We get one shot in life to make a difference and I feel that by leaving a gift in my will to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, I will be able to help future generations enjoy the wonderful care that my family has received,” said Gerry.

When Gerry created his will, he consulted one of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Heritage Council Members, Bob Fielding, a legal professional who is also the Volunteer Chairman of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. The Heritage Council are professional advisors from the legal, financial, or accounting professionals who have voluntarily committed to enhancing health care in Moose Jaw. Professional advisors are essential in creating an estate plan that match a donor's wish with their charity of choice.

“Gerry has left a generous "unrestricted" bequest to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in his will. An unrestricted bequest means that funds are not specified for a particular use; rather, he has put his trust in the Health Foundation Board's leadership to determine the wisest use for the funds.” states Bob Fielding.

Unrestricted gifts are the most effective way to support a registered charity like the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, because the flexibility of unrestricted giving ensures that the gift can be applied where it will have the greatest possible impact.

"Organizations evolve over time," explains Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Health Foundation. "The vision around which the Union Hospital was founded more than a century ago remains the same today – providing excellent care for the citizens of Moose Jaw and surrounding area, but the resources required to maintain that vision change constantly. Unrestricted gifts can be used where they're most needed, as determined by the people who best understand what it takes to directly enhance patient care.”

Gerry sees great things ahead for the Moose Jaw Union Hospital , “There has been so much attention paid to the Union Hospital lately. Everyone recognizes the need for maintaining and enhancing the hospital, but these things cost money. I know that through my legacy gift to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation that my gift will go to work to help people in my community and keep essential medical services close to home.

For more information on how to make a gift in your will to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, please call the Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, Kelly McElree or call your professional advisor.

Evelyn McLean pictured above sewing while wearing her Philips Lifeline Alert necklace.

Lifeline Saskatchewan and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Form Partnership to Help Reduce the Fear of Falling for Seniors

Each year hundreds of seniors in Moose Jaw suffer falls in their home. The fear of falling is on the rise. One study indicates that as many as 61% of all Canadian seniors experience some degree of fear about falling. Being concerned is natural and healthy, but when the fear is all consuming, the risk of falling increases.

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation and Philips Lifeline Saskatchewan have formed a partnership to help seniors reduce this fear with state-of-the-art technology.“ The Foundation is so pleased to help promote this service to residents in Moose Jaw and surrounding area. The technology is so innovative and affordable that this will provide seniors with the peace of mind knowing that if they suffer a fall – help is only a push of a button away.” states Kelly McElree Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.

A senior in fear of falling will avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less in order to prevent a fall. This leads to loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of co-ordination and balance which puts a senior more at-risk. Similarly someone anxious about falling tends to modify their gait and balance control, further increasing the risk.

Philips Lifeline Saskatchewan , a medical alert service, is designed to reduce the risk of living alone and can also help to manage the fear of falling at home. With the press of a waterproof button, appropriate assistance is sent by a professionally trained Lifeline Associate, 24 hours a day. Using 2-way voice communication, Lifeline Associates quickly assess the situation and send help - whether it is a neighbour, family member or emergency service.

“Because Lifeline provides instant access to help, it can save lives and dramatically improve outcomes in the event of a fall or emergency,” explains Terri Berglund of Lifeline Saskatchewan.“ It is an essential component of any Falls Prevention Program.”

Moose Jaw resident Evelyn McLean knows first hand the benefits of this service. “I feel very safe having Lifeline. It gives me and my family peace of mind knowing I can have help quickly at the press of a button.”

To find out more information on the difference the Lifeline Service can make for yourself or a loved one, please call the Foundation office at 694-0373 or Lifeline Saskatchewan today at 1-800-856-0599 or visit www.lifeline.ca.

2nd Annual

Family First Radiothon

Focusing on the ICU

800 CHAB's Lorie Dean, Nurse Director of the ICU Diane Ireland and Moose Jaw Health Foundation Board Member Ken Hawkes announce the 2nd Annual Family First Radiothon

The airwaves of Moose Jaw will soon be filled with poignant stories that come straight from the heart. Patients and their families from Moose Jaw and surrounding areas will share their touching experiences about overcoming their life threatening health challenges in the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital during the 2nd Annual Family First Radiothon.

Their stories will be highlighted as the 2nd Annual Family First Radiothon hits the airwaves on 800 CHAB May 1 st and 2nd. The Radiothon will be broadcast live from the Town ‘N' Country Mall from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

On 800 CHAB Craig and Lorie along with Moose Jaw Health Foundation Board Member Ken Hawkes, Executive Director Kelly McElree and the Nurse Director of the Intensive Care Unit, Diane Ireland officially announced the upcoming Radiothon on the Morning Show.

The second annual Family First Radiothon will raise funds to help purchase new state-of-the-art equipment to help medical professionals save lives every day in the ICU such as special care beds, emergency crash carts, patient call units, medical carts etc…; and create a new Family First room to provide patient families a place to rest and regain their strength, so they can help their loved one overcome their health challenge.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation Board Member, Ken Hawkes who is coordinating the volunteers for the event, and a former ICU patient himself, commented, “One in four people in Moose Jaw and surrounding area use the Moose Jaw Union Hospital every year. In the last two years, Intensive Care has seen an 18% increase in patients at our community hospital. Chances are – you, your family or someone you care about will need medical services only available within the Intensive Care Unit at the Union Hospital. With your help will we be able to keep this essential medical service close to home.”

Last year's Radiothon raised over $115,000 for the Paediatrics department and the Foundation along with 800 CHAB is hoping to surpass last year's goal. Each and every dollar raised for the Radiothon will stay in Moose Jaw to help patients in the ICU.

Thank You Moose Jaw!

Festival of Trees 2007

$225,000

Raised for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Critical Care Monitors Campaign

On Saturday, November 24th more than 400 guests attended the premier gala event of the Christmas Season – the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's – Festival of Trees. A record $225,000 was raised during an evening featuring a lavish meal, auction and dance.

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously contributed and purchased auction items, volunteered their time, and made cash donations. All of the proceeds from the auction will go towards the purchase a new state-of-the-art Critical Care Monitors to be used in the Moose Jaw Union Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, Surgery and the Emergency Department.

A special thanks to the Festival of Trees Committee Chair Laurie Kosior, Randee Waldo, Alana Belik, Angela Currie, Bernie Doepker, Sherryn Boszak and Darlene Geib of the Heritage Inn for their countless hours in the preparation of Festival of Trees.

Aspen Dental

Extreme Makeover of Rotary Villa

Each year hundreds of families enjoy the secure and comfortable accommodation at Rotary Villa. This steady stream of patients and families results in the need for continuous upkeep, and the need for regular maintenance. Today, Aspen Dental has stepped forward and is rolling up its sleeves to help the Moose Jaw Health Foundation renovate a suite at Rotary Villa to help recovering patients and their families.

Each year Aspen Dental picks a project in our community where employees donate time and money to help a local charity, this year Aspen Dental chose to renovate a suite and landscape the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Rotary Villa.

Rotary Villa was a gift to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in 1993.  There are 11 suites dedicated to providing temporary and short term accommodation for day-patients, out-patients and family members of patients receiving medical treatment and related services in Moose Jaw and area.  These suites are fully furnished and include a kitchen unit, bathroom, telephone, linen, dishes and cutlery as well as a complementary laundry facility.  Rotary Villa is conveniently located only one block east of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital at 631 Fairford Street East.  Each unit at the Villa has its own exterior access and provides patients with affordable accommodation close to the hospital.

Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation expressed his gratitude, “When patients go through their health challenge and they live outside of Moose Jaw, they need to be close to the hospital and the caring medical professionals at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. When a fantastic organization steps forward to renovate a room – this helps the healing process for patients and their families during their health crisis. The Foundation deeply appreciates Aspen Dental's commitment, hard work and dedication to enhancing direct patient care.”

Hospital Expansion - Update

MLA Glenn Hagel, right, talks with Dr. George Miller after a planned rally at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital on Tuesday, with presentations on how much the hospital is in need of an expansion Shelby Parker photograph and story by Ron Walters

Against the backdrop of a mural depicting historical progress of Moose Jaw hospitals since the 1880s, Dr. George Miller once more described the immediate need for provincial funding to build a new hospital wing.

The message was polite, but boiled down to keep those phones to MLAs ringing until a commitment is forthcoming. The new hospital wing has a commitment from the city for $40 per property annually for a 30 per cent municipal share of the $26 million original cost and support of both local government MLAs.

“But (the MLAs) were unable to convince cabinet to  commit to the project,” Miller told a rally in Moose Jaw Union Hospital foyer Tuesday.   “Costs are escalating,” said Miller, chairman of the health district committee advocating expansion.  “The original cost was around $26 million. Our last estimate is unknown as we have no funds for planning.” Miller hopes Moose Jaw doesn't have to wait 17 years for the project as Swift Current did.

Specialists and surgeons need proper space to work with patients and introduce new technologies, said Miller.   “If we lose facilities, we lose specialists. If we lose specialists, we lose family doctors and that's the simple formula.”   Miller urged more public support for the project, noting the local MLAs' phone number (694-1001) is on a poster distributed by the committee.

“The urgency is the political (election) cycle we're in at the present time. This is a time when we can put the most pressure on politicians who are in office, and who are presently pending election, so we can get a commitment,” he said.   The existing hospital was out-of-date when renovations to the 1954 wing were completed in 1995, he said.   “The surgical unit was too small from the moment it opened. It's now handling five times the capacity it was designed for,” Miller said.  The 1995 renovations were akin to  “a new dress for an old girl” with most of the work involving fire code regulations and a sprinkler system, he said. Mental health unit safety, patient flow, patient privacy and patient protection from medical errors are compromised by the old wing, he said.

“We can stumble around for a few more years, said Miller. “If the money magically appeared tomorrow it will take seven years until it is built.”   Miller and hospital supporters will be in the public's face for some time to obtain provincial support for the project.   Supporter Keith McEwan, recovering from a recent Union Hospital surgery, commended the staff for working under these conditions.   “The operating room looks rundown, like it needs work,” said McEwan. “Don't wait for an election to announce funding.”

Mammography Matters at RBC

Maggie Sinclair Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank, Kelly McElree Health Foundation Executive Director, Alberta Richards, Sheila Getzlaf and Diane Therrian celebrate the completion of the RBC Fit-A-Thon

Over 70 women from all over Moose Jaw joined in the first RBC Fit-A-Thon held at Vanier Collegiate to raise funds for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation's Mammography Matters Campaign to purchase a new mammography unit for the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. For 3 hours, participants did salsa, hip-hop, line dancing, yoga, and low impact aerobics in an evening of fitness and friendship.

Each participant was asked to raise a minimum of $25 in pledges for the evening, but by the end of the night an incredible total of over $8,300 was raised to purchase the new enhanced mammography unit. Maggie Sinclair, Branch Manager for RBC Royal Bank main branch commented on the evening, “The team at RBC really came together to make this fabulous evening happen. We wanted to do something special as a part of RBC's 100 th Anniversary in Moose Jaw, and cancer has touched the life of many RBC employees, their families and our customers. By partnering with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, we can make a difference that will help save and enhance the lives of mothers, daughters, and loved ones for years to come with the purchase of a new mammography unit that will aid in the early detection of breast cancer.”