Staff and residents of the Canora Gateway Lodge (CGL) have been expressing their appreciation to a former health care worker whose cash donation made it possible to purchase a 52inch large screen television.
During the afternoon of July 31, a gathering was organized to celebrate the arrival of the television and to publicly acknowledge “the generous donation of $1,000 by Praveen Ahuja,” said Arlene Lazaruk, the recreation coordinator at the Lodge.
Leanne Buchinski, CGL health services manager, who acted as the emcee for the program, introduced Praveen and Kavita Ahuja. She also introduced several members of the Canora Gateway Lodge Auxiliary, which also contributed to success of the project. Representing the Auxiliary were: Phyllis Kozun, Bernice Rakochy, Josie Matsalla, Victoria Korol, Elsie Obodiak, Elsie Carsten and Nel Hanewich.
“Praveen Ahuja is no stranger to the Canora Gateway Lodge,” Buchinski said, “I have worked with Praveen at the Lodge for many years and had a firsthand opportunity to observe his compassion and drive to improve the lives of the clients he served. These character traits are exemplified by Praveen’s and Kavita’s generous donation.”
Ahuja has dedicated the last 47 years in Canada in the provision of health care services and as a consultant to the provincial government, she said.
“I hold the dedicated work of the various health care auxiliaries in this province in a very high esteem for they provide the necessary leadership, dedication and hard work in the provision of care, comfort and compassion to their respective residents,” Ahuja said. “The Canora Gateway Lodge Auxiliary is no exception to this hard work and dedication to making the lives of the residents brighter,” he said. “I have personally worked in Canora as a physiotherapist since 2001 and I am proud of my association with your facility and staff.”
“This donation of $1,000 is a small token of my gratitude for the privilege of serving your community and I hope that the new TV will provide some comfort and cheer for your residents,” Ahuja said.
Buchinski acknowledged the CGL Auxiliary “whose support made the purchase possible.” She said it was through the “generous support of the community and individuals such as yourselves” that enables the auxiliary to reach its goals of providing comforts for the residents of the Lodge.”
Following a photo opportunity and countdown, Anne McNulty, a resident, had the honour of turning on the television for all to enjoy. Musical entertainment for the event was provided by “the talented musical stylings of Orville Drobot, Norman Werner and Brian Buchinski,” said Lazaruk.
The afternoon concluded with ice cream and refreshments.
