Bethesda Foundation has announced the public launch of its largest ever capital fundraising campaign, the “Caring Together Capital Campaign”.
“In 2005 we embarked on an aggressive fundraising campaign to build a CancerCare Centre and Obstetrics wing at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, as well as a redevelopment of the Emergency Department,” said Board Chair Garth Reimer. “The time has come for new healthcare needs in our community to be fulfilled.”
The Caring Together Campaign began in an informal capacity a number of years ago, with funds being raised to complete the Bethesda Primary Care Centre and Stonebridge Wellness Centre. Now Bethesda Foundation will engage the entire community in the campaign, to raise funds for some additional much-needed healthcare services.
“The goal of 15M is an aggressive one, but not an impossible one,” says Linda Peters, Executive Director for Bethesda Foundation. “A significant amount has already been raised, which will be announced at the launch event on Tuesday.”
One of the campaign projects is the expansion of the RestHaven Nursing Home. Personal care home beds have been an urgent need in the community for many years. The wait list for placement is very long, and all too often seniors are having to move far away from family and friends when they need personal care home support. The Province of Manitoba has announced that a significant expansion at Rest Haven Nursing Home will move forward. The 60 bed facility will more than double to a total of 143 beds. Bethesda Foundation is very excited to partner with a local organization like HavenGroup to help make this project a reality.
Bethesda Foundation also has a vision to provide enhanced palliative care services to Steinbach and area. They want to create a space that is a peaceful, home-like environment, for those who require end-of-life care. This facility would have private rooms for patient dignity, plenty of green space to promote tranquil and serene surroundings, and spaces for families to gather.
Refurbishment of the surgical department at Bethesda Regional Health Centre has also been identified as a genuine need. This area of the hospital has long been in need of an upgrade, so that we can continue performing surgeries and attracting quality surgeons to our community.
“Keeping healthcare services close to home is always our goal,” says Peters. “We look forward to seeing the community participate with us to make these projects a reality during our Caring Together Campaign.”
For more information on the campaign visit the Bethesda Foundation website. A public launch event will take place at the Stonebridge Wellness Centre, 380 Stonebridge Crossing, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 10am-11am. A short program followed by coffee and refreshments will take place.
