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May 2023

Island Savings Partnership

By Media Release, News, Thank You!

ISLAND SAVINGS COMMITS $60,000 TO NANAIMO & DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

NANAIMO, BC – May 8, 2023 – The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) and Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, are proud to announce a new collaboration to support the mental health care initiatives in the Nanaimo community and surrounding areas.

With the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the community, Island Saving has committed $60,000 over the next three years to promote mental health awareness in the Central Island.

“Helping our communities thrive is a part of who we are, and an individual’s mental health plays a key role in that,” says Kendall Gross, President of Island Savings. “We know that this partnership helps fill a huge need in the community, and as a member-owned financial co-operative, it’s always important for us to listen to the needs of the community and offer our support accordingly.”

The partnership agreement includes events to be held in collaboration with NDHF during Mental Health Awareness Week in May, aimed at raising awareness for mental health and to support those experiencing mental health challenges. In addition, programs will be developed to support the current climate of mental health issues within Island Health and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

“The primary focus of the funding will be the outdoor courtyard for the current psychiatric inpatient unit at NRGH.  While there is much work to be done to support patients in and out of the hospital setting, a refurbished outdoor space will help create a place of recovery, a welcoming place as a person of value in our community during some of the most challenging times,” shared Carrie Boland, Manager Acute MHSU, Island Health.

Funds will also be directed to upgrade the walk-in mental health clinic located at Brooks Landing and the Medical Detox Centre in Nanaimo’s South End.

“We are thrilled to work with a partner dedicated to being a change maker in our community. With Island Saving’s financial commitment to mental health care, it will allow us to support people beyond the walls of our hospital and to increase critical mental health programs for the entire community. We look forward to growing this partnership in the years to come,” shared Barney Ellis-Perry, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation CEO.

Lifeline Nanaimo Volunteer Profile: Trevor Cradduck

By Lifeline Volunteer Profile, News, Thank You!

After his career as a medical physicist, seeking out an organization like Lifeline Nanaimo felt like a natural transition into retirement for Dr. Trevor Cradduc. “I found myself living in a community where several neighbours were Lifeline clients and I saw a natural fit. As an installer I found great satisfaction in aiding individuals gain greater independence.”

“The day eventually arrived when I could no longer drive so was obliged to give up installing Lifeline units. I was able, instead, to act as editor for Seniors Connections – a monthly news sheet funded by a Federal grant and distributed to a variety of community centres. With the cessation of Seniors Connections, I have been able to continue my volunteer activities by assisting Lifeline at community events such as health fairs and contributing to Lifeline’s Facebook page.”

Our volunteers are the backbone of our program and we couldn’t do all that we do without them!

For more information or to volunteer your time at Lifeline Nanaimo.

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week Returns

By Events, Media Release, News

100% Cookie Sales Donated to Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

NANAIMO, BC – Smile Cookie Week is almost here, with the annual campaign taking place from – May 1 – 7. During this week, Tim Hortons chocolate chunk cookies will transform into something incredibly special: Smile Cookies – hand-decorated treats that raise money for local charities across the country.

100% of proceeds from each Smile Cookies purchased at Nanaimo Tim Horton restaurants between May 1st and 7th will be donated to Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation directed towards the High Acuity Unit and ICU projects at NRGH. Cookies are on sale during this week for $1.50 plus applicable taxes.

“We are thrilled to be the partner recipient for the 2023 Smile Cookie campaign,” shared Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation CCL (Chief Cookie Lover) Barney Ellis-Perry. “Last year’s campaign was a great success raising over $45,000 thanks to the generosity of our community members and year to date totals of $270,000 proving the old adage, good things come from those who eat cookies!”

Please join us for a special Smile Cookie kick-off event:

When: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 1:30-3:00 pm

Where: Tim Horton’s Rock City (2980 Island Hwy N Unit 200)

Who: Join NDHF Barney Ellis-Perry and NDHF Board Chair Tony Harris and other key community members as they decorate smile cookies for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign.

Assets:

We have some great videos and photos to help share the word of Smile Cookie week. Please find these materials here:

Smile Cookie Video

Smile Cookie Poster