Russell and area supporters gather to recognize fundraising efforts for cancer care project
With Elvis in the building, Russell and area residents relished the chance to gather, recognize and celebrate the exceptional decade-long fundraising efforts aimed at expanding space at the Russell Health Centre for the cancer care/chemotherapy program. The Russell Expanding Community Cancer Committee (ECCC) held a “Celebration Time Gala” on April 13th, with Corny Rempel impersonating Johnny Cash and Elvis. Another $31 thousand was raised for the overall project.
The Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee raised $2.9 million to fund the 3300 sq. ft building, which will become the Community Cancer Care Centre. This is roughly four times the size of the current space and will include:
- replacement of the existing nursing station, Doctors exam/clinic space and medication storage area;
- creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
- improved patient privacy.
There are 15 communities represented on the committee. Committee members (back l-r) include: Darlene Lichkowski, Cheryl Robinson, Joyce Bork, Leslie Sawchuk, Donna Auger, Andrea Glasman. (Front row l-r): Cheryl Collins, Eunice Cook, Zelma Salyn, Judy Forsyth, Pam Demchynski, Betty Beischer, Marsha Trinder, Brenda Simard, Colleen Jones and Gloria Tibbatts. (missing from the event picture were Terrie Welwood, Barb Cameron, Keith Popp and Laurie Burgess). Committee members also include Joanne Hickman, Connie Popp, Cheryl Rubeniuk and Terry Jackson.
The anticipated completion of the building expansion is sometime later this spring or early summer.