September 16, 2015
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Colin Zak
Nearly $46,000 was raised when more than 400 participants from 33 different hospital departments participated in the seventh annual Run for Rockyview race on Sept. 16.
The five-km race, co-hosted by the Rockyview General Hospital and the Calgary Health Trust, raises funds that are spent to improve patient care and comfort at the southwest Calgary hospital.
“It’s been an honour to co-chair the organization of the event this year,” said Holly Rachynski, an administration assistant in critical care at the Rockyview who co-chaired this year’s run.
Added Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk: “It’s encouraging to see such tremendous spirit and care from hospital staff, and their commitment to health care is unsurpassed.”
Team Floaters and Flashers were the top fundraisers, collecting $15,205, which includes a $5,000 prize from RCA Diagnostics. Floaters and flashers are terms used for visual symptoms associated with possible retinal or eye disorders.
“It’s really remarkable to see how the event fosters so much camaraderie within the hospital and connects all of our departments,” said team captain Carolyn MacDonald, unit manager of the Rockyview’s ophthalmology department.
Funds raised by each team will be put toward something on their unit’s wish list.
The second-highest fundraising team received an additional $2,500, also from RCA Diagnostics, and the third-highest fundraising team received an additional $1,000, donated by Sodexo, the hospital’s onsite housekeeping unit.
Run for Rockyview has raised more than $350,000 for the hospital over the past seven years.
“The staff are incredible and it’s awesome to see such partnership between staff and communities,” said respiratory manager Kevin Orton, Rachynski’s co-chair.
Visit calgaryhealthtrust.ca for more information.
