The fundraising campaign for Saskatchewan Hospital is getting a big boost with the help of a local football legend.
Rueben Mayes has been named honorary chair of the Saskatchewan Hospital New Beginnings campaign.
The North Battleford native and graduate of North Battleford Comprehensive High School was a standout at Washington State in the NCAA and starred in the NFL with teams like the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks.
But what people don’t realize is the close connection Mayes has to the existing Saskatchewan Hospital and to the health care field in general.
Mayes is currently chief development officer with Pullman Regional Hospital in Pullman, Wash. According to a news release, Mayes’ role includes working with department medical directors, physicians, hospital executive staff, foundation boards and committees to create system-wide philanthropic and investment support for his hospital’s key priorities.
As well, one of his parents used to work at Saskatchewan Hospital.
“Saskatchewan Hospital is an important part of my life because my mom was an employee, and it was a place of healing for some of the Mayes family many years ago,” Mayes said in that release.
“This is an important facility for the Battlefords and for the province I grew up in. The new hospital will provide vital services that heal people where they live. I believe in this vision and encourage everyone to stand up and make a difference.”
“This is great news,” said Corinne Delainey, fundraising lead for the campaign in a news release.
“Our campaign is just getting off the ground and having Rueben step up to support us is an incredible opportunity,” stated Delainey.
“Originally from North Battleford, well-known across Saskatchewan and a professional football superstar, Rueben also brings a wealth of knowledge to our campaign.”
The campaign’s goal is to raise $8 million to furnish and equip the new Saskatchewan Hospital. The intention is for the new furnishings and equipment to provide a home-like atmosphere and quality care. The items they will be seeking including beds and nightstands, educational and recreational equipment, tables and chairs, equipment for a medical centre and a dental office.
“In consultation with our patients, we have found that what they most desire in life is a little privacy, more natural light and more bathrooms,” said Linda Shynkaruk, director of SHNB.
“The current Saskatchewan Hospital offers patients very few of these amenities that most of us take for granted.
“Our new facility will support integration, normalization, care, advocacy, research and education for our patients. It will help more people and transform more lives. The bottom line is we are committed to our patients and they come first.”
The new Saskatchewan Hospital will have 188 psychiatric rehabilitation beds and a 96-room secure unit for male and female offenders living with mental health issues. Construction began in September 2015 with completion expected by June 2018.
Construction costs for the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford are fully funded by the provincial government, but fundraising is needed to cover the costs of all furnishings and equipment.
“Saskatchewan has a tremendous opportunity right now to make a difference,” said David Fan, CEO, Prairie North Regional Health Authority.
“Saskatchewan Hospital is undertaking to change the way people dealing with mental health issues are treated. Your gift will create a better quality of life for our patients.”
