December 22, 2022
Longtime member of the Strathmore District Health Services Foundation, Mardelle Bazant (left) has helped organize the Tree of Hope campaign for many years. She is joined by Rita Sweere (centre), a member of the Strathmore & District Health Services Auxiliary, which led fundraising efforts for palliative care at the hospital prior to the Foundation’s formation in 1996, and Jarrett Fawdry, site manager of the hospital. Photo supplied.
For over 25 years, the Strathmore community has honoured their loved ones by donating to the Strathmore District Health Foundation’s Tree of Hope campaign each winter. Funds raised support palliative care at the Strathmore District Health Services. Photo supplied.
Story by Story by Amelia Schofield
STRATHMORE — For over 25 years, community members in Strathmore have honoured their loved ones by donating to the Strathmore District Health Foundation’s Tree of Hope campaign each winter. This year’s Tree is located inside the Strathmore District Health Services building and the campaign will take place until January 15. Funds raised will support palliative care at the hospital.
“We’ve had the Tree of Hope campaign for many years, and it is an important fundraiser for palliative care at the hospital,” says Mardelle Bazant, treasurer of the Strathmore District Health Foundation.
“To take part, community members can make a donation to the foundation in memory of a family member or friend, and we will place a tag on the tree to honour that individual.”
Established in 1996, the foundation has funded many enhancements to the hospital including to palliative care. The foundation’s many contributions to this area have included a sofa and chairs, comforters and bedding, a large television, a coffee maker, a mini fridge, a microwave, sleep chairs and roll away cots for family members who wish to stay overnight with their loved ones.
The foundation also supports the White Rose Program offered at the hospital. During a patient’s end-of-life phase, a white rose is put on the door of their room. This visual cue increases staff awareness to help provide a calm and quiet environment respectful of the dying person and their family. The nursing staff will also bring a refreshment cart to the family which includes beverages and snacks. The foundation also provides books on grief and loss for interested individuals and families.
In addition to palliative care, the foundation has funded many pieces of equipment for the hospital including four vital sign monitors, three heart monitors, vein viewer for acute care, ER, and Lab; a portable ultrasound and laryngoscope for the emergency department; blood pressure cuffs, therapeutic mattresses, walkers and thermometers for home care; a blood gas analyzer for lab services; and specialized wheelchairs, wheelchair scale and fitness equipment for physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
“Many of our donors have written to us to share how thankful they are to have these healthcare services in our community, that they appreciate being able to stay in Strathmore with their loved ones, and remain close to home,” says Bazant.
“Over the years, we have really tried to focus on funding equipment to diagnose and treat patients in Strathmore. This way patients can stay close to their community and receive care here without needing to travel to Calgary.”
Jarrett Fawdry, site manager, Strathmore Hospital, Alberta Health Services, shares his gratitude for the foundation’s support of palliative care and many other areas throughout the hospital.
“We wish to thank the Strathmore District Health Foundation for all they do for our hospital. You can truly see that this group really cares about our patients and staff and making our community a better place. They’re so responsive and resourceful and it has been wonderful to see how supportive they have been of our patients and our staff.”
To take part in the Tree of Hope campaign, community members can make a donation in memory of a loved one to the foundation and their family member or friend will be recognized on the tree.
Donations can be made online, by mail or in-person. For more information, please visit the Strathmore District Health Foundation website.
