What may be a surprise to some people is that in the East Kootenay there are actually two health care foundations that are actively involved in fundraising.

One is the East Kootenay Foundation for Health whose mission it is to provide funding for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and other community facilities in complementing the health care needs of the region.

Another, which is of equal importance, is the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation whose focus is on bettering health care in facilities in the communities of Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie.

Over the past several years the two organizations have been meeting on a regular basis with hopes of building on a strong alliance of support for each other. One of its first major efforts was the A Clear View ~ digital stereotactic mammography campaign. And although the campaign goal was met before the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation’s fall gala, their Board of Directors played a significant role in getting the word out for supporting EVHF, EKFH, the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and the Elk Valley health care facilities.

Fast forward a year later; the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation is lighting a $5,000 star under the EKFH’s Starlite Campaign in hopes that the brilliant blue star will demonstrate commitment to health care and to each other.  In return, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health will match the gift from its unrestricted fund and both foundations will purchase a $10,000 trauma stretcher for the Sparwood Health Centre.

“It is definitely not about competing rather collaborating,” states President Pat Moore of the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation. “Both foundations recognize that we can help each other, our communities and the region if we share in a common goal. This gift for lighting a star is of particular significance for both EVFH and EKFH” adds Moore.

The Elk Valley Hospital Foundation is growing and with help from EKFH and you health care in your community can benefit. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation or perhaps interested in leading the foundation forward, contact Aysha Haines at 250-531-3999.

Sixteen stars have brightened the sky since the November 29 of the Starlite Campaign and donations are continuing to come in showing the true spirit of many wishing to support community health initiatives in their community and for the region.

EKFH is asking for your help to meet its $150,000 fundraising goal, donations are gratefully accepted at www.ekfh.ca.

Above photo L-R:  President Pat Moore & Aysha Haines of Elk Valley Hospital Foundation present Donna Grainger and Chair Brian Clifford of East Kootenay Foundation for Health with a $5,000 Starlite Gift.

EKFH

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