November News from the Secretary

This year we celebrated 16 years of working to raise funds in support of health care needs in the community that the Drumheller Health Centre serves. Your contributions play a vital role to provide quality health care in Drumheller. Best of all, every dollar given to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation stays in our community.

With your help, we’ve raised over $1.6 million to purchase improved medical equipment and other enhancements for the Drumheller Health Centre.

In 2009 the Continuing Care received a Sara Lift and accessories. The Community Cancer Centre has been able to purchase educational materials and to help patients with the extraordinary costs for both transportation and medication. The Acute Care received two new blanket warmers, (A special thank you to Sue Banks for her fundraising efforts!) a billirubinometer and a cardiac monitoring system. The Operating Room received a gastroscope, pneumatic tourniquet and an anesthesia machine.

This year the Community Cancer Centre was able send a child to a special camp for children of cancer patients and a special scale was purchased. The Palliative Care Unit received a bariatric bed (Thanks to the Chop Shop’s Cuts 4 Cancer campaign) two additional air comfort mattresses, a TV and furnishings for their lounge. The Continuing Care unit was able to purchase a VersaCare bed, eyesight impared reading magnification machine, a 55” LCD Television for the folks, benches, an ice machine, a washer & dryer set and much more! The Recreational Therapy group also received much support and will be able to continue the exemplary work they do for the residents.

At this time the Foundation is seeking funds to purchase a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy set for the Operating room. We need to replace the current set as it is reaching the end of its useful life. Currently the hospital is performing 3 procedures per week with this essential tool. Use of this tool significantly reduces the recovery time for the patient.

Consider donating to this worthwhile project or to any of the other areas that the Foundation supports. Your donation will make a difference in the comfort and quality of health care provided to our patients and residents.

Please use the form on this site and send your donation today or contact me if you’d rather arrange a monthly pre-approved direct deposit. A charitable tax receipt will be issued to you in any case.

If you need more information before making a contribution, please contact me at the Drumheller Area Health Foundation office located in the Drumheller Health Centre. My telephone number is (403) 820–7844 or email me at linda.ames@albertahealthservices.ca.

Your interest is greatly appreciated and inquiries are welcome.

1. THE TREE OF HOPE CAMPAIGN
   
   
   The Tree of Hope ceremony will be taking place on Friday, December 10th at 5:00pm. Please join us as we light the ‘Tree of Hope” and fondly remember our loved ones during this holiday season.
   
   Purchase a Blue bulb in memory of a loved one or a Pink bulb as a Holiday Greeting of Hope. These bulbs can be purchased anytime before and at the ceremony. You may drop your donations at the Drumheller Health Centre Admitting desk or in the Site Administration office. Donations of any amount are accepted. Funds will be used to sponsor the Palliative Care and the Recreational Therapy Healing Garden project .
   
   PURDY’S CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
   
   Don’t forget that you can purchase Purdy’s chocolates through the hospital to help earn money for the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy set. Make this holiday season a sweeter one by purchasing chocolates through the Foundation office. Contact me (Linda Ames) for more information at (403) 820–7844 or pick up a catalogue at the admitting desk at the hospital. If you wish to order on-line and pay with your credit card, go to the Purdy’s group website at http://www.purdysgpp.com/member.aspx?ID=17093
   
   Just sign in as a member of group # 17093. You’ll get your own personal password and your delivery will arrive at the Drumheller Health Centre on November 30th with the others for pick-up. You may also just drop off your order with cheque, cash or money order with the admitting desk at the hospital. Orders must be received by November 17th for delivery by November 30th. Thanks for your continued support.
   
   WHAT’S NEXT…
   
   November 30th, 2010 – Pick up your Purdy’s Chocolate order at the Drumheller Health Centre between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, Conference Room #3.
   
   February 3, 2011 – the Chop Shop will be having their 16th annual “Cuts 4 Cancer” event. Please drop by the shop and support this fundraiser. All proceeds will be going to the Palliative Care Unit of the Drumheller Health Centre.
   
   June 24, 2011 – The 3rd annual “Art in the Badlands” live and silent auction will take place at the Drumheller Health Centre. Please plan on joining us for an afternoon of music, art and refreshments.
   
   Stay tuned for future events right here at http://drumhellerareahealthfoundation.blogspot.com/.