Danielle Sabiston is embracing her new role at the South Cariboo Health Foundation.
Sabiston is the foundation’s new public relations/fundraising coordinator responsible for organizing fundraising events such as Starry Nights. She took on the role in February this year after longtime fundraising coordinator Brenda Devine officially retired. Though Devine left big shoes to fill, Sabiston said she’s game to fill them.
“I wanted to become more of a part of the community. I want to meet people, as well as give back to the community,” Sabiston, 47, said. “I have big shoes to fill and I’ve been very fortunate she’s working with me and providing some fabulous training.”
A recent addition to the South Cariboo community, Sabiston moved to the area in 2021 after several years of living in Alberta, Kamloops and most recently the Coast. While living in Kamloops she said she and her husband developed a love for the South Cariboo and decided to retire in the area, buying lakeside property in Lac La Hache.
“Something spoke to us. I think it’s the friendly nature of everyone in the Cariboo and the relaxing atmosphere,” Sabiston said.
Sabiston said not long after moving to the area she joined the 100 Mile District General Hospital Auxiliary to get to know the community and volunteer. One of the auxiliary members suggested she apply for the fundraiser job, noting they felt like she’d be a good fit.
When she found out she got the job she was excited, noting her new role is similar to the work she did fundraising for her children’s schools and hockey teams. The biggest challenge for her right now is knowledge of the local community which is lacking due to her new status.
To that end, Devine has been incredibly helpful. Sabiston said she has worked closely with her predecessor over the last few weeks learning the ropes and forging connections with Devine’s old contacts. The fact spring is a slow time for the foundation, with Starry Nights not set to begin until November, has also given her plenty of time to find her feet.
“It’s going to take me time to forge those relationships (she has) but I’m looking forward to it,” Sabiston said. “I want to learn all there is to know about this wonderful place.”
Richard Bullen, the South Cariboo Health Foundation’s president, said that he and the other board members are happy they selected Sabiston to succeed Devine. He noted Sabiston has been easy to work with and eager to learn.
“She’s very bright, outgoing and has a lot of smarts. We are very pleased with our choice,” Bullen said. “I think it’s a great fit and it is only going to get better. As she gets to know the business leaders of the town and the average person on the street, I think she’ll be marvellous.”
Bullen remarked he’s also looking forward to working closely with the hospital administration this year to find out what equipment they need the most. He thanked the public for their constant support in providing the funds to buy these pieces of equipment.
When asked if she plans to make any changes to the health foundation’s fundraising efforts, Sabiston indicated she intended to stay the course Devine has set. She noted that Starry Nights is so well established in the community and that she wants to keep it going and make it “bigger and better every year.”
“The hospital is such an important part of our community. We need it here and we need to support our doctors, nurses and everyone involved with it. It is really important we come together as a community, do some fundraising and help support them so we’re a viable community in healthcare for years to come,” Sabiston concluded. “As long as the foundation is happy with me and will have me, I’d like to continue on.”