Hearts for Healthcare gala raised just under $200,000

Image provided by Hearts for Healthcare 

The Hearts for Healthcare gala was another big success.

Approximately 650 people attended the gala on May 4, which raised $190,000 and put the ten-year total for the event over the goal of $2 million, the organizers announced yesterday.

The organizers explained that the totals were relevant to the current economy, but were nonetheless very pleased.

“It was amazing. It was overwhelming and just so much of an outporuing of help from everybody in the community. It was just very heart-warming,” said Kari Leiper, Hearts for Healthcare coordinator.

The Hearts for Healthcare foundation will put some of the funds towards new equipment.

Thirty-three thousand dollars is set aside for a Giraffe Warmer for the Cold Lake Health Centre, which makes the doctors and nurses jobs easier by helping keep newborn babies warm, oxygenated and safe. 

The second warmer will allow the Cold Lake Health Centre to keep one in the Labour and Delivery Unit and one in the operating room.

It came from a cash appeal started by a $4000 donation from the Cromwell family and matched by Cold Lake Veterinary Clinic.

The PCN in Cold Lake will also be receiving $9,000 for an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring System.

The three donors were CNRL, Husky Energy, and Dr. May Conlin from the Lakeland Dental Group and Jay Conlin, Lakeland Law Group, for $3000 each.

The 10th anniversary gala recognized some hard-working volunteers and physicians as well.

Margo Van Buskirk earned the Award of Nursing Excellence and Dr. Anshia Van Jaarsveld was named the winner of the Healthcare Professional Award.

Ten year achievement awards were handed out to Gala Fundraising Committee members Theresa Nickel, Jacki Cook and Valerie Kossey-Fraser who was also recognized with board members Robert Brassard, Eva Urlacher for their continued service to the cause.

Doctor Recruitment continues

Three new physicians have started in Cold Lake, thanks to the recruitment program Hearts for Healthcare ran.

Dr. Imran Ghauri and Dr. Hussain Aboud will be opening their Connections Clinic (Addictions and
Mental Health) and Glacier Gate Family Practice this summer.

Dr. Ghauri has been at Lakeland Medical Clinic since January and Dr. Aboud is arriving with his family in July.

Dr. Azam Khan began at the Lakeland Medical Clinic in April.

Thanks and sponsors

Hearts for Healthcare thanks emcee Bob Mattice from Value Drug Mart at Tri-City Mall and auctioneer Aaron Tilley “for being a huge factor in helping us reach our goals.”

The major sponsors for the event were the City of Cold Lake ($20,000), MD of Bonnyville, Imperial, Lakeland Credit Union, Cenovus ($10,000).

Ten Souljiers dazzled the crowd with the entertainment, Joly’s Fine Cuisine kept the attendees stomachs full and Superior Concrete (2016) Ltd. sponsored the wine.

Susie Fraser-O’Connell from Images Studios Photographic Arts took pictures of the evening.

Hearts for Healthcare has partnered with Boston Pizza Cold Lake and Shoppers Drug Mart Cold Lake.

“A collaborative effort of many volunteers and the amazing staff at Boston Pizza have raised over $10,000 to help improve local healthcare in Cold Lake,” said Kari Leiper, Hearts for Healthcare coordinator in written notes sent to Lakeland Connect.

“Over the past five years, we have enjoyed working with our friends at Shoppers Drug Mart Cold Lake and their Love.You Campaign. As a result, this year alone they helped raise $4200.”

Hearts for Healthcare upcoming events are the Alysha Axani 2nd Annual Memorial Truck & Car Show on Saturday, July 27 and the H4H Mega Bounce Run on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The full list of donors can be found here.

Gala Thank you Media Ad 2019.