“The Foundation Story” - December 2003

Click here for the Foundation Story in PDF format

Over the past few years, we have shared with you several stories of PGRH patients whose quality of life was greatly enhanced because of donations to our Foundation. We hope we have helped people realize that our primary focus is not on the donations or even the medical equipment, renovations or educational grants they fund. Our ultimate interest is improving life for the people of northern B.C.

Today, having just completed celebration of our 10th Annual Prince George Festival of Trees, we would like to offer you somewhat of a retrospective of what the Foundation has meant to our community. In putting together “The Foundation Story”, we have collected comments from many people who have been involved in various aspects of our operations.

“I like to be involved and enjoy seeing things grow in this community. The Foundation has evolved from a little one-person office to a fully developed organization that does so many positive things – the Festival of Trees, Northern B.C. Friends of Children Society, the Pro-Am golf tournament, multi-million dollar capital campaigns and so much more. It’s much more than just raising money. One of my fondest memories is taking my mother to the Seniors Tea at the Festival of Trees. She had just moved here from Winnipeg and that event gave her such a warm and welcome feeling. There is always a spot in my heart for the Foundation and what it does for the hospital and people in our community.”
-Lynne Fehr, Community Leader

“We are pleased to help get people involved and raise funds as a joint venture between the Foundation, our staff and our members. We enjoy running our in-house events as well as working the phones at Spirit of the North Day. And we’re excited to have a tree in this year’s Festival of Trees.”
-Dean Blanis, Costco Wholesale

“I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Foundation for the past 10 years and seen its development and what it has meant to this community. I think it’s wonderful how many people have been involved in giving of themselves for the betterment of others. It has made a difference far beyond the value of the dollars it has raised. In particular, I would like to express my thanks to my team of “tree fluffers” who have helped prepare the Christmas trees for decoration at the Festival of Trees.”
-Shirley Gratton, Community Volunteer

“Our business is proud to have been a strong supporter of the Foundation since its early days. We understand the vital role it plays in giving the community the chance to improve healthcare in this area. We know that our donated dollars have been well spent and we’ve also enjoyed the camaraderie and community spirit generated each year through the Festival of Trees and Pro-Am golf tournament.”
-Keith Andersen, Lakeland Mills

The Foundation has funded millions of dollars of capital equipment for our regional hospital. Procedures and diagnostic abilities have improved considerably. Waiting lists have shortened and fewer patients, and their families, have had to travel to Vancouver for treatment. Lives have been saved and our regional hospital is a more attractive alternative for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

“Funds generously donated by the Foundation have rocketed department of diagnostic imaging at PGRH from the dark ages into the twenty-first century! Improved imaging with leading edge technology improves patient care by a quantum leap. Residents of the north may have state-of-the-art imaging performed locally and if outside expertise is required only the images need be electronically sent to the specialist. Not only has the quality of healthcare been improved but it is far easier, and less costly, for patients and families to access it.”
-Dr. Greg Shand, Chief of Radiology, PGRH

“The Foundation has participated in donating the substantial funds required to complete the purchase of many of the needed items we have required in recent years including the laser, ultrasound, angiography upgrade, new slit lamp and computer. We would like to thank those who have contributed to the Spirit of the North healthcare Foundation on behalf of the Ophthalmology Department and we look forward to their further assistance in acquiring a couple more needed pieces of equipment.”
-The Ophthalmologists of Prince George Drs. Konkal, Roesch and Veselinovic

In January 1998, with the assistance of the Foundation, Northern B.C. Friends of Children Society was formed for the purpose of assisting northern British Columbian families living with children in medical need; assisting with medical travel and special equipment needs while offering emotional support and family advocacy.

“The Foundation’s supporting parental umbrella has helped to establish and ensure a viable Society structure within Friends of Children - one that is deep in commitment and sure of footing. Our members, staff, volunteers and 100’s of supported B.C. families thank you!"
-Selena Carpino, Executive Director, Northern B.C. Friends of Children Society

“Northern BC Friends of Children Society has been an integral part of our family support system. Not only have we received financial assistance for our many trips to BCCH with our son Kieran, but also the emotional support we have received has been invaluable. Thank you so much to Friends of Children and to the Foundation for its support of this vital organization.”
-Sandy Nadeau, Kieran’s mom

The Foundation is well-known for its capital projects and events but it has also had a great impact in supporting training and education initiatives for healthcare workers and physicians in communities throughout the PGRH referral area.

“I am proud to say that, since 1997, donations to an endowment fund in my name have provided close to $50,000 in educational grants. In so doing, the Foundation and its donors recognize that the greatest resource of our healthcare system is our people.”
-Dr. Jack McKenzie, Patron to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation

“As a healthcare worker in Prince George, I am very committed to our system and its services. I enjoy my ongoing education process and I believe it contributes to the skills and the knowledge that I bring to my workplace. Many thanks to the Foundation for taking the time to create and administer this grant program. It is very much appreciated.”
-Christine James, Home & Community Care, Prince George

Plans are currently being completed for major renovations to Jubilee Lodge Extended Care and the combined areas of Maternal Childcare Services at PGRH. Significant funds have already been raised, through annual Telethons and other sources. These projects will make a huge difference in the quality of stay experienced by the young and their families and our elderly residents while in our care.

“In Jubilee Lodge I see people who fought our wars, taught our children, nursed our sick, policed our streets, delivered our mail, and in general made our lives better. When someone is forced to spend a large percentage of their lives in bed, it is imperative that their surroundings be pleasing to the eye and be as comfortable and home-like as possible. A resident of an extended care unit once described it as God’s waiting room. If this is the case He would be pleased with the renovations that have been done, and will be done, in Jubilee Lodge.”
-Arlene Bird, Jubilee Lodge Resident’s family member

“From their life experiences, parents have well-developed coping mechanisms. Children do not and therefore their fear, distress and pain far exceed that of their parents. For this reason, children need to be surrounded by their loving family and friends in bright, airy, cheerful hospital rooms. We are working with the Foundation and its supporters to build a pediatric unit where patients and children can find peace and solace to assist in the healing process.”
-Dr. Marie Hay, Chief of Pediatrics, PGRH

Thank you to all those who have shared their thoughts about us with you. We are proud of our development into a multi-dimensional organization that is integral to the health, welfare and social fabric of our community. Most of all, thank you for your generous ongoing support and involvement. We are in your service.