Innovation Credit Union Battleford branch, North Battleford branch, North Battleford Agencies and Battleford Agencies staff contribute a portion of their paycheque each pay period, as part of their "Dress Down for Charity Program," with all proceeds going to a local charity chosen by the staff.
This year Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation was one of those charities selected and will receive $1,100.
"We are grateful to everyone for this generous and thoughtful gesture and it is very much appreciated," stated Brenda Sparrow, BUH Foundations board of directors chair.
The staff wished for their donation to be directed to the "Prevents Makes Cents" matching program for SIDNE, which will be matched by Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC of North Battleford as part of a fundraising drive for the PARTY. program. Walter Houk, owner and manager of Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC, was on hand to acknowledge the donation.
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 with the PARTY Program. 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 to promote injury prevention and 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 Emergency Department demonstrating trauma care provided.
