Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. of North Battleford has offered their assistance in the Battlefords Union Hospital campaign to raise funds to purchase SIDNE.
SIDNE is a battery-operated go-kart and will provide a hands-on, engaging lesson about the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and the dangers of distracted driving through a visual, hands-on experience.
"We are very proud of the work BUH Foundation accomplishes to enrich the care provided to our community, and we are pleased to announce that Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC of North Battleford will match every dollar raised in the fundraising campaign for SIDNE, up to $12,000," said owner/manager Walter Houk.
"We believe that this is an important initiative and will help prevent our youth, both in urban and rural communities, from making risky choices that endanger themselves and others."
"We are grateful to Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd for recognizing the importance of the SIDNE campaign and supporting the services provided through BUH's Emergency Department," said Brenda Sparrow, chairperson of BUH Foundation board of directors.
"A total of $24,000 would get almost 85 per cent of the funding we need and we are grateful for their commitment to our youth."
With a campaign goal of $30,000, BUHF is raising awareness and funds for SIDNE and the service the PARTY Program provides to the youth of communities in Prairie North Health Region, according to a press release.
To date, close to $1,000 in donations have been made, and BUHF has applied for possible funds through various grant programs.
For further information on the SIDNE or to learn more about the "Prevents Makes Cents" matching program for SIDNE, visit www.buhfoundation.com or call 306-446-6652.
The PARTY Program has been operating at BUH since 2009 and has had over 350 students take part from the Battlefords and surrounding communities. The program is run in collaboration with the volunteer efforts of BUH, the RCMP and Emergency Medical Services and the support of North Battleford Fire Department. According to BUHF, PARTY promotes prevention and works to enable youth to recognize risk, make informed choices, and identify potential consequences about activities and behaviours while driving. The youth are brought to the hospital to see firsthand what happens in emergency and trauma situations with presentations from the RCMP on what happens when they are arrested, EMS showing on-the-scene accident care and the ED demonstrating trauma care provided.
