Early this spring the Renwick family sadly lost a dear friend to cancer.
They had sat with their friend, during the final weeks and days at the palliative care rooms in St Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. It was during that time they came to the realization that, as a family they could do something to honour the life of their friend, something that would make time spent in a palliative care room a bit more comfortable for family, friends and loved ones.
Inspired by this idea they called Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation and discussed the idea of fundraising for a project in the palliative care rooms at BUH. Scott Parker, BUH's palliative care co-ordinator, was delighted to assist and with his advice the Renwick family decided to fundraise for a "comfort cart," a new addition to the palliative care rooms.
The concept is a cart that is equipped with "comfort" items for both family members and the patient, including personal hygiene and care items (tooth paste and brush, soap, shampoo, conditioners, lip balm, combs), books particular to the palliative care patient and family, fiction and puzzle books, therapeutic music resources, knitted lap throws. In general the cart offers the type of things that would make someone's stay more 'comfortable'. This cart is taken around to the palliative care rooms on an ongoing basis by the palliative care volunteers.
The Renwick family are not only a giving family but also a creative one and through the support of Nutec Embroidery/Arrow Trophies and owner Peter Frey, the Renwicks started their fundraising efforts with the purchase and sale of "Vino 2 Go" cups, essentially a plastic wine glass embedded in a plastic go cup which was a perfect and inexpensive gift. This proved successful and to date, along with a personal donation, the Renwick family has raised $2,000.
The comfort cart is now a reality and the Renwick family continues to raise funds to cover the cost of the items as they are replaced. BUH Foundation is proud to be associated with the Renwick family and Nutec in their effort to enrich local health care and give back to their community.
If you are interested in supporting your foundation with a fundraiser or wish to purchase a Vino 2 Go cup please contact the foundation at 306-446-6652.
