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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

Light the Trees 2022 Results!

By Celebrate!, News, Thank You!

Thank you!
Because of the generosity of our donors, we are thrilled to announce that we raised $1.3 Million dollars for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital during Light The Trees. Thank you to the 1,700 donors who gave over 2,000 gifts, making this a record-breaking fundraising total for us. But, we are just getting started! We have committed to $5 Million dollars for the future High Acuity Unity at NRGH, and have some great events and programs coming in 2023 to help us get there. Stay tuned!

Helmet Head is Back Again!

By News, Thank You!

Helmet Head is back again with another amazing toy donation for our hospital! Thank you so much to everyone who contributes multiple times per year to the Helmet Head Canada motorcycle toy drive! This is their fifth delivery to us this year alone. Amazing!

Giving Tuesday

By Celebrate!, Congratulations!, News, Thank You!

We are so excited to announce that with the help of our friends and neighbours, we raised $140,456 for the new Sentimag System at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on our first ever Giving Tuesday initiative!
An incredible group of community leaders, including our Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, the Nanaimo Foundation, the Tom Harris Community Foundation, the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, and the Abreast of Life Dragon Boat Team united to make a difference for our hospital this holiday season! Together, they have made significant gifts toward the purchase of the Sentimag System that will support people experiencing breast cancer in our region.
We are so grateful for this amazing show of support. Thank you so much to everyone who has now made the purchase of this essential piece of cancer treatment equipment, as well as a year’s worth of operational costs, possible.

Lakeside Community Gardens

By News, Thank You!

It was so wonderful to see the residents of Lakeside Gardens Seniors Community enjoy an afternoon of prizes! They raised an amazing $1,054 for the Intensive Care Unit at NRGH through these amazing prize baskets, many donated and created by the residents! The creativity and generosity of the residents is so special and moving. Thank you.

Diwali!

By News, Thank You!

At this year’s Diwali party, Jeet and Kaajal Manhas and the Indian Business Association raised $1,000 for the future High Acuity Unit at NRGH. We are honoured to receive this gift from the Indian community on such a special occasion!

By Celebrate!, News, Thank You!

We are so grateful to our sweet-toothed community members for raising $44,123.17 for the new Intensive Care Unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital by purchasing Tim Hortons Smile Cookies in September! A big thank you to the Nanaimo Tim Hortons restaurant owners for making this amazing donation week possible.
Pictured from left to right: Mandeep Kandola (Brooks Landing), Janice Krall (NDHF), Ryan Cruz and Andy Milne (Westhill Plaza, Tenth Street, and Northfield Plaza), Jeff Blois (Dickinson Crossing and Woodgrove Centre), Lilian Mayne (Rock City Plaza and Nanaimo North Town Centre), Craig McBride (Wallace St. and University District), Christian Aubin (Code Brew Café), and Chelsea Carne (NDHF).