Spin-A-Thon boosts sense of community at Peter Lougheed Centre

Staff-led event rallies teams for June 5 in support of Calgary Health Trust

Story by Amelia Schofield

CALGARY — For the third year in a row, the dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers of the Peter Lougheed Centre are coming together for a day of fitness, fun and friendship in support of a great cause.

Taking place on June 5, the third annual Peter Lougheed Centre Spin-A-Thon is an employee-driven challenge which raises funds for the hospital in conjunction with the Calgary Health Trust.

According to Melissa Rivera, an executive administrative coordinator at the Peter Lougheed Centre and one of the event organizers, the event is an opportunity to bring teams across the site together.

“The Spin-A-Thon gives staff a chance to come together and work towards a common goal and at the same time, create a sense of community for all at the PLC. Yes, they’re competing but everyone is having a great time participating,” she says.

Each year, the funds support programs, equipment and education at the hospital. Recently, participants in the event helped fund ceiling lifts for patients needing significant physical assistance.

Rivera says the event is a way of enhancing care for patients, while also making staff feel a greater sense of pride and connection with the hospital.

“There’s always a need across the site, whether it be for a specialized piece of equipment, or a specific education event for the staff, so it’s important to let the staff be a part of something this great and feel like they were able to contribute in such a special way to their unit, and make it something of their own to be proud of.”

She also acknowledges the many individuals and teams who make the event possible.

“I don’t do this on my own. I have a very large team that helps and are a part of the Spin-A-Thon Committee —departments such as volunteer resources, retail food services and environmental services. I also want to acknowledge the hospital’s executive leadership for their support and Calgary Health Trust for helping us pull it all together.”

Rivera says the key to playing host to an event like this is being dedicated to the cause.

“Figure out what the greatest needs are and find that passion, that thing that you can get behind that you’re going to feel the most proud to have been able to support and help with — and then just do it.”

Learn more and register here for the June 5 Peter Lougheed Centre Spin-A-Thon.

AHS recognizes May as Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating physicians and staff who generously support our foundation partners across Alberta. See how you can make a difference at ahs.ca/give.