More than 500 poinsettias have been delivered to patients and residents in Prairie North Health Region's Battlefords facilities this holiday season, sharing Christmas joy with those in hospitals and long-term care homes.
The poinsettias were delivered over a week – Friday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 12 – to residents of Battlefords District Care Centre, River Heights Lodge and Villa Pascal and to patients at Saskatchewan Hospital, Battlefords Union Hospital and Battlefords Mental Health Centre.
"Our aim is to reach out through Project Poinsettia to bring the Christmas spirit to individuals in hospitals and special care homes," said Nic Fransoo, host of The Early Show on Q98 Radio in North Battleford and program director for Rawlco Radio North Battleford.
"Project Poinsettia has a beautiful heart-warming effect on everyone involved. With a handshake, hug or a smile, I love seeing the true thanks in the eyes of all the people receiving this beautiful symbol of Christmas.”
He pointed out that last year, Project Poinsettia was able to deliver poinsettias to only Battlefords District Care Centre residents.
"This year we got to spread Christmas cheer to six health-care locations in the Battlefords, totalling over 500 poinsettias to residents and patients. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year." said Fransoo.
Project Poinsettia is the initiative of Q98 Radio with major sponsorship by CUPE Local 5111 in Prairie North Health Region, Sobeys, Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home and McDonalds and support from 23 other community businesses and organizations.
CUPE representatives participated in all the deliveries, explained Brian Manegre, president of CUPE 5111.
"Our CUPE professionals work with and provide care and service to all of these patients and residents," said Manegre. "It's very important to us to reach out at this time of year and share the holiday spirit with those we serve in hospitals and long-term care facilities."
Manegre added that all of the CUPE 5111 members are proud to support Project Poinsettia, expanding it throughout the Battlefords this Christmas.
"We plan to make it even bigger and better next year," said Manegre, “delivering poinsettias to all of the health care facilities in Prairie North."
Manegre noted that on its own, CUPE Local 5111 also provided at least one large poinsettia to PNHR facilities outside of the Battlefords.
"The patients, residents and staff are all very grateful," said Manegre. "The poinsettias also serve to spread the holiday cheer to family members, friends, volunteers and staff throughout the facilities."
