L-R: Greg Thompson, Chairperson of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Norma Johnson, Dauphin Poppy Fund Chair
Dauphin Hospital Foundation receives donation from Legion
Ahead of Remembrance Day, the Dauphin Hospital Foundation recently received a generous donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Dauphin Branch #20 Poppy Fund. The donation, in the amount of $8,965 will be used to purchase blood pressure monitors for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s Palliative Care Unit.
Pictured are Greg Thompson, Chairperson of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Norma Johnson, Dauphin Poppy Fund Chair.
Johnson says the donation was a result of ongoing contributions received through their collections of poppy sales and wreath rentals. Johnson urges Parkland residents to consider donating through purchases of poppies again this year.
Both the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Prairie Mountain Health sincerely thank the Dauphin Legion Branch #20 for their heartfelt contribution.
L-R: Bell/MTS retirees Darlene North, Sharon Shannon, and Ruth Albertson with BRHC Auxiliary members Brenda Burgess and Eileen Mosson.
Bell Giving Program
On September 25, 2023 the Brandon Regional Health Centre Auxiliary was honored to receive a $3000.00 donation from the “Bell Giving Program.”
Bell/MTS retirees are able to accumulate volunteer hours which they in turn can convert into grants for charities of their choice. The BRHC Auxiliary was the recipient of this years grant.
Pictured from left: Tony Shewchuk (Tony’s Auto Electric), Chandel Bailey-Morrison (DRHC Care Team Manager) and John Dulewich (JDS Laundromat).
Nearly 50 motorcyclists took part in the 6th Annual Memorial Ride in late August 2023 and through their support, helped contribute towards identified needs at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC). This year, the Memorial Ride, spearheaded by Tony’s Auto Electric and JDS Laundromat in Dauphin, made its way through Parkland-area communities along Highway 5 and Mountain Road and reached its final destination in Erickson. The 300 kilometre return trip raised a total of $2,200 that was donated to the health centre, through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.
The Memorial Ride is held in loving memory for those lost over the past year. It aims to bring people together in celebrating and recognizing the lives of those lost and doesn’t matter if people rode a motorcycle or just purchased tickets. The goal was to enjoy the day, visit with people, share memories and contribute to a worthy cause!
Organizers were very pleased with the support of communities and individuals along the way. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Dauphin Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the organizers, participants and all who contributed to this worthy cause.
L-R: Ashley Mitchell (NP), Amanda Isaac (Administrative Assistant), Lindsay Cooper (CTM), Lori Grieg & Sherrill Berry (Reston Area Foundation Board Members) Photo Credit: Reston Area Foundation
On June 5, 2023, the Reston Medical Clinic was presented with a grant from the Reston Area Foundation, in the amount of $3000, to cover the cost of purchasing a cryogenic system and new infant/toddler scale for our clinic. This new equipment will allow us to better serve patients, as well as client of the Willowview PCH.
We greatly appreciate the support of the Reston Area Foundation of this project, and look forward to putting our new equipment to good use!
Brandon Foundation
View the latest information from the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. To get your tickets for their “Evening Beneath the Ocean” Gala Dinner & Dance on Saturday, September 16, contact the BRHC Foundation office at 204-578-4227.
RBC Foundation donates to Dauphin Regional Health Centre nurses development fund
RBC Foundation donates to Dauphin Regional Health Centre nurses development fund
The RBC Foundation has donated $10,000— through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation— to support retention of and professional development for nurses at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC). The donation was highlighted as part of National Nursing week (May 8-14).
From left, DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, RBC Dauphin Branch representatives Danielle Sear and Kent Nordin and DRHC Care Team Manager Curt Gullett. (Photo courtesy of Dauphin Herald)
“Recruitment and retention of health-care professionals is front and centre in Manitoba and Canada right now,” said Greg Thompson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairman. “We continue to provide various levels of training support for nurses to offer even better patient care and we sincerely appreciate RBC Foundation’s contribution to our Foundation, which allows us to offer even more educational opportunities.”
RBC’s donation will go towards the centre’s Delha Cort Education fund. This fund encourages staff to pursue continuing education, with priority given to facility-related education, which can enhance an employee’s current job performance or personal development toward advancement in their careers.
“RBC recognizes the impact that nurses have in our healthcare system is unparalleled. Dedicated, committed, and always answering the call no matter the sacrifice, they are our caregivers and comforters during our deepest times of need,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Western Ontario. “We aim to give back to nurses through a donation supporting their continuing education and professional development, to refresh their skills and open more opportunities for their career options and advancement.”
The DRHC educational endowment fund was named after Irene Delha Cort, who passed away in 1990 and had a bequest to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation to use the funds primarily for staff education and development. DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, one of the recent recipients of funding support through her Delha Cort application, participated in the presentation.
Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation sincerely thank the RBC Foundation for its generous contribution.
Pictured is Crocus Court Care Team Manager Jesus Dangat and Legion #24 Roblin members.
Every year the Royal Canadian Legion #24 (Roblin local) raises funds for the community. This year they donated $4,356 to Crocus Court PCH towards the purchase of an ABI Doppler machine set. This machine will help nursing staff in the assessment of residents that are suffering from venous insufficiency.
PMH thanks you for your generous donation.
Enns Brothers is pleased to donate a new ride-on toy tractor to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Pediatric Ward
Pictured is: Gary Bohn, Branch Manager of Enns Brothers in Brandon and Portage la Prairie. Presenting the tractor to Jessica Brunskill Care Team Manager BRHC SRMC/NICU/Pediatrics along with staff members on the Pediatric Ward.
Gary Bohn, Enns Brothers Branch Manager, says, “We first donated a tractor to the Brandon Hospital in 2019, and it has been amazing to hear stories of how the tractor has positively impacted children who are patients on the unit. Our hope is that this new tractor continues to provide a bit of joy and comfort during an otherwise anxious time. We’re very grateful for the opportunity to support children in our Brandon community and surrounding areas.”
PMH is very grateful for this donation that will provide much joy to the children. Thank you.
Russell Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) receives another donation- Eunice Koss and Betty Beischer, members of the Russell ECCC accepted a $20,000 donation from (front row;) Councilor Darlene Jackson back row: Councilor Judy Usiner, Reeve Grant Boryskavich, Councilor Albert Holopina, Councilor Brett Bauereiss, Councilor John Pickup and (front right) Councilor Kathy Bennett, members of the RM of Riding Mountain West council. The money has been earmarked for equipment for the Cancer Care Unit. Fundraising continues for equipment and paving of a new parking lot, designated for chemotherapy patients.
Deloraine’s Hope Floats recognized for 20 years of giving back to cancer support initiatives
Deloraine’s Hope Floats recognized for 20 years of giving back to cancer support initiatives
For two decades, a group of dedicated ladies in and around Deloraine have led breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts to support area cancer programs. What began in 2003 as ‘Hope Floats, Friends Fighting Cancer’ culminated with the recent recognition of donations to cancer programs in Deloraine, Brandon and the Canadian Cancer Society totalling over $100 thousand during the past 20 years.
Hope Floats 2023 Back Row: Brittany Coupland, Belinda Hobbs, Vicki Caldwell, Shireen Babcock, Val Perriman, Donna Whenham, Nancy Nickel and Susan McKinnon. Front Row: Judy Wells, Lori Main, Sandra Hainsworth and Chelsea Hainsworth Missing: Lorrie Weidenhamer, Tammy Olson, Crystal Beernaert and Pat Whiteside.
Lori Main, one of the original group members, says what started as a team in the Relay for Life at the International Peace Gardens near Boissevain has stayed together, putting on various fundraisers over the years.
“Hope Floats was formed in 2003, three years after I had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 35,” Main said.
“I saw the poster for the Relay for Life event that was to be held at the Peace Gardens that summer and asked my friends, who were by my side through my cancer battle, to join me! Relay for Life was amazing, and our friendships with people from our neighbouring communities have lasted all these years.”
“We loved the Relay for Life events but in 2008, we decided to come up with a new idea to raise money for cancer, and that’s when the “Hope Floats, Friends Fighting Cancer” Cookbook was published. The cookbook contained recipes dedicated to someone battling cancer or in honour of someone we lost to the dreaded disease. There are recipes in the book from all over the world. The first year that our cookbook was published was amazing, and we were able to donate approximately $22,000 to Relay for Life,” Main stated.
In 2012, as the Relay for Life initiative began to subside, the group pivoted to focus fundraising towards the Deloraine Cancer Care Unit, the Radiation Unit at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Forget-Me-Knot Quilters – a group of local ladies that make quilts and generously give one to every patient who receives chemotherapy at the Deloraine Cancer Care Unit.
“Over the years, we had 27 ladies who belonged to Hope Floats at one time or another; remarkably, eight members have stayed on for the entire 20 years. Hope Floats members are a group of sisters, we may not be close friends, but we always felt a kinship between us. We had each other’s back!”
Hope Floats at Manitoba Legislature March 20, 2023 From left to right: Irene Lanchbery, Val Perriman, Lori Main, Honourable Doyle Piniuk, Sandra Hainsworth and Donna Whenham.
In 2023, Hope Floats decided that after 20 years of doing their best to assist in the fight against cancer, they would bring their collective efforts to an end. On March 20, 2023, the group was recognized for their heartfelt and numerous contributions within the Manitoba Legislature through a Private Members Statement from the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Turtle Mountain.
Prairie Mountain Health sincerely thanks and appreciates the enormous efforts and dedication Hope Floats has shown over 20 years and wishes all members the best in future endeavours.
Making a difference for nearly 35 years: The Dauphin Hospital Foundation
Making a difference for nearly 35 years: The Dauphin Hospital Foundation
The Dauphin Hospital Foundation has kept an eye on its past and is looking ahead to its future as the volunteer group embarks on 35 years of giving back to the community and area through the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC), Personal Care Home and Community Health Building. The Foundation was established in September 1988 when a dedicated group came together to ensure healthcare support and services could be maintained and enhanced whenever possible. Board Chair Greg Thompson says the Foundation, through generous contributions, donations and bequests of all kinds, continues to make a big difference.
“We’ve been able to contribute in such a variety of ways, and for such a long time now, it really is something to stand back and acknowledge in a very appreciative sense. We are trying to capture and recognize some of this history on our website. Plus, going forward, we hope to establish even better ways of providing information about the Foundation’s work and make it easier for people to contribute”, Thompson stated.
Foundation Public Relations Director Blaine Kraushaar says a vision and mission workshop is being planned for later this spring to take a good look at the Foundation’s goals, objectives and opportunities for improvement.
Dauphin Hospital Foundation president Greg Thompson, left, and Public Relations director Blaine Kraushaar with a bench donated in memory of Dr. Allan Lysack, whose medical career spanned over five decades.
“We review policies, funds, financial information and equipment and staffing support requests at meetings throughout the year, including our annual meeting in November. But we are overdue for a good think-tank, planning-type session since, obviously, lots has changed since the Foundation was formed, and it will put us on solid footing as we look ahead to the future,” Kraushaar added.
Thompson adds, some of the work is already underway with plans to further promote scholarships and specific funding availabilities through estate funds like the Delha Cort fund.
“The educational endowment fund was established in the 1990s in a bequest from long-time Dauphin resident Delha Cort. She was very supportive of finding ways to assist in staff education, and over the years, we have provided several levels of support for staff that have inquired and are eligible. We think there is room for even more opportunity there, and we all know how current recruitment and retention of health care professionals are front and centre.”
Another estate fund —the Martha McDonald Fund— was established in the late 80s through the Canadian Cancer Society and recently came under the Foundation’s umbrella. The endowment focuses on enhancements for Dauphin area cancer services and the DRHC chemotherapy unit.
The Foundation has also established a way to contribute online through Canada Helps, located on its website, and recently defined a process that allows donations of shares back to the Foundation.
“We’ve had a couple of recent donations of shares from individuals that we have processed through ScotiaMcLeod financial. We want to get the word out on opportunities like that and other estate and legacy information. These are all significant ways to leave lasting legacies through the Foundation as we look forward to the next 35 years!” Thompson said.
Although only a couple of estate funds and endowments were mentioned here, the Foundation sincerely thanks all who have contributed in the past. Anyone interested in making a contribution can talk to their lawyer or investment advisor or contact the Foundation directly, through the hospital, at 204-638-3010 or online at www.dghf.ca.
Representatives on the Foundation Board also include Malcolm Strang, Gail Hrehirchuk, Kim Safronetz, Laurie Vandendool, Ron Ryz, Lynn Smith, Dr. Trina Mathison and support staff, which include Curt Gullett, Michelle Jubenvill and Nicole Borgstrom.
Russell Palliative Care Committee donates for bed purchase
Pictured clockwise from l-r are Louise Trinder Ethel Lungal, Lynette Snow, Russell Care Team Manager Abbey Vorlicek and Darlene Witty.(With picture/files from Russell Banner).
The Russell and Area Palliative Care Committee recently contributed towards the purchase of a special medical bed for the Russell Health Centre. The bed has an alternating pressure mattress, which was developed for the comfort of patients to help prevent bed-sores and skin break down. It’s also longer than others to help accommodate taller people. It is through very generous contributions, donated through the Palliative Care program, that the Committee is able to assist with much-needed purchases like these.
The Russell and Area Palliative Care Committee and Prairie Mountain Health thanks everyone for their heartfelt contributions that continue to benefit the Russell Health Centre.
Hospital Foundation funds specialized equipment purchase
Pictured L-R: Sheila Sarkonak, Dawn Willemse and Terry Bloomer.
Operating Room patients at Dauphin Regional Health Centre will benefit from a recent contribution through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. The Foundation provided over $59,000 to purchase a specialized operating room table for the surgical suite. With the new equipment are, from left, Sheila Sarkonak, Dawn Willemse and Terry Bloomer.
The STERIS surgical table has some special features which allow it to be placed in multi-positions along with X-ray access and multi-function power controls.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Prairie Mountain Health thank the Dauphin Hospital Foundation for contributing towards the purchase of this beneficial improvement in patient care.
Twin Valley Coop donates $10,000
Twin Valley Co-op Board President: Mark Morton and General Manager: Dwayne Moncur, Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee: Andrea Glasman and Pam Demchynski
Twin Valley Co-op held their Annual General Meeting recently in Rossburn. The Expanding Community Cancer Care project (Russell) and the area support Committee was awarded a $10,000 donation through Twin Valley’s “You’re At Home Here” Community Fund Spring 2023 intake. Pictured are Twin Valley Co-op Board President: Mark Morton and General Manager: Dwayne Moncur, Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee: Andrea Glasman and Pam Demchynski. Prairie Mountain Health sincerely thanks the Twin Valley Co-op and all area residents and organizations for their contributions to the project. For more information about the “You’re At Home Here” Community Fund please visit www.twinvalleyco-op.crs.
Fit Fights Cancer
Pictured L to R: Kathy Ward from Western Manitoba Cancer Centre accepts the donation from Courtney Calvert of Fit Performance Centre.
Cancer has affected many of us at Fit Performance Centre. With world cancer day held on February 4th we decided it would be a great opportunity to help raise awareness and support those fighting by selling “Fit Fights Cancer” tshirts for the month of February. Thanks to those who participated and donated, we raised $350 to be put towards patient support funds at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.
Did you know? Eating Disorders have the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness in Canada. While eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, they are also treatable. Unfortunately, research indicates that the majority of people with eating disorders don’t seek treatment, or when they do there are lengthy delays in receiving treatment. Many factors influence the development of an eating disorder including biological factors like genetics, psychological factors like mental health, and social factors like cultural attitudes around food and appearance. Those that struggle with their identity and self-image, dieting and weight loss, body dissatisfaction, experience weight stigma, as well as those who have experienced trauma are at risk. Eating disorders don’t discriminate, they affect people from all ages, genders, racial and ethnic identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and body sizes. Contrary to the public and even medical assumptions, eating disorders do not have a certain look to them. People living in large bodies can be affected by anorexia nervosa, just like people living in smaller bodies can be affected by binge eating disorder.
Here are some ways to counteract the negative social messages around food and bodies:
Help others (and yourself) develop self-esteem based on qualities other than physical appearance: Comment on and affirm characteristics that are not related to the body, but rather skills, talents, personality traits, passions, achievements, etc.
Get rid of your diet and your scale: Learn to understand your body and listen to its cues. Your weight is not a measurement of your health or self-worth. Learn about the Health at Every Size® philosophy.
Avoid labeling food as good or bad: Labeling food as good or bad ties morality to food. Food is morally neutral, as is body size. When food is tied to morality it can lead to feelings of guilt and shame around food leading to disordered eating like restricting, bingeing, and hiding eating behaviours.
Stand up against size or body-based bullying: Do not encourage or laugh at jokes that make fun of anyone’s body or size (including your own). A person’s worth and morality are not related to how they look. Celebrate body diversity.
Criticize the culture that promotes unhealthy body image, not yourself: Look at how encouraging people to dislike their bodies helps to sell products. Encourage people to question, evaluate and respond to the messages that promote unhealthy body image and low self-esteem.
Do you spend most of your day thinking about food and your body?
Do you avoid meals, restrict certain foods, binge eat, or purge after eating?
Do you feel guilty or out of control when eating?
Do you think that life will only be good if an ideal weight is achieved?
If you answer yes to any combination of these thoughts and behaviors, you may have an eating disorder. There are programs in Manitoba which can help you wherever you are on the journey to recovery.
