A local resident now has the gift of improved hearing, thanks to the Christmas Chear campaign offered by Sun Country Hearing.
The promotion took place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. People were encouraged to submit essays, explaining why they or someone they know could use a new set of hearing aids. MaryAnne Walter was selected as the winner.
Melanie Tribiger, who works at Sun Country Hearing in Estevan, said the campaign started after the business’ owner Jacquie Mvula and a friend of hers in the industry, Mike Dahab of Ontario, thought it would be good to have the initiative. Separate contests were offered at the Estevan and Yorkton clinics.
“We put out the word, and encouraged anyone who needed hearing aids, or knew of someone who needed hearing aids, to go ahead and write us a submission, saying why that person would benefit,” said Tribiger.
This was the first time they have done such a promotion, and they were pleased with the response.
Tribiger said she was pleased to see that a self-nominated individual was the winner.
“So often, women fall into this caregiver role, and her husband also wears hearing aids. His hearing aids had been giving him trouble. One had just been repaired. The other was in need of repair.”
MaryAnne Walter felt that she could use a little bit of help, and chose to nominate herself.
“They’ve had quite a rough year, and as a whole, the family would benefit from her receiving these hearing aids, because they would be able to communicate that much better,” said Tribiger.
Not only did Walter receive the hearing aids, which Tribiger said are the top of the line, the fees were waived. Also included were the warranty and service, including batteries, for the next four years.
In her essay, Walter noted her husband Richard has had hearing aids for more than 30 years. He became sick in April and had to go to the hospital. He’s now in long-term care at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
“Bless those nurses. They are taking such good care of him,” Walter wrote.
Her hearing deteriorated in June, so the doctor sent her to a specialist in Regina and he told Walter she needed hearing aids. She also had a knee replacement, and it was during her recovery that her husband’s hearing aids broke.
“I know things are hard for everyone, but for now I can’t afford hearing aids for myself. During the last six months, I have missed (out) with my family, as I will admit, I can’t hear what they are saying. I am hoping that maybe I will get picked for a set of hearing aids. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there like I am.”
She also thanked Sun Country Hearing for offering this campaign.
Tribiger pointed out that everyone who works at Sun Country Hearing is a firm believer in giving back to the community, and Mvula saw Christmas Chear as a way to support others in a way that was meaningful.
The business expects to have the campaign again at Christmas time in 2020, and Tribiger hopes it will be well-supported once again.
