Meota Lakeshore Lions Club are the first to give to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation's newly formed Home Care Fund.
The club's contribution of $2,000 will go towards enriching the care provided to patients of Battlefords Region Home Care through the purchase of medical equipment and continued staff education.
"Meota Lakeshore Lions Club is proud to give back and support health care in our community. It's an area of life that affects everyone and we are pleased to be able to help make a difference," states Lawrie Ward, club president.
Meota Lakeshore Lions Club began supporting BUHF in 2001, helping with the purchase of new medical equipment. Throughout their history they have given back more than $200,000, supporting international projects and many Meota organizations, including Meota Library, Do Drop Inn, Fitness Centre, Curling Rink, Regional Park, and Community Hall. They also assist with Lions organizations such as the Lions Eye Bank, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, and Youth Exchange. This year they are sponsoring the Cavalcade for Diabetes, which brings Lions Clubs together from all over the province to donate to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
"BUH Foundation is very grateful to receive this contribution from Meota Lakeshore Lions Club. They are a club recognizing the difference community involvement makes to improve our world and make it a better place, and we are pleased they chose to do that for Home Care," said Claudette McGuire, executive director, BUHF.
Home care is a new area of funding for BUHF, as the direction of acute and long-term care shifts. As patients are discharged from hospital sooner, follow-up care is provided in the homes. As well, patients with heavier care needs can be supported to stay in their home for as long as possible, potentially delaying admission into a long-term care facility. In order to accommodate these changes, to meet patient needs safely, and to follow the desires of the patients, proper equipment and staff education is required.
"Thank you to Meota Lakeshore Lions Club for their support of the home care program. With service provided to 875 people within Battlefords region, it is important we have the equipment and continued education to meet our needs, and their support will help make this possible," said Colleen Toye, home care manager.
For further information on ways to support the Home Care Fund at BUH visit www.buhfoundation.com or call 306-446-6652.
