Working with the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) is what Brenda Devine wants to do, and there's a very personal reason behind why she started.
Devine is the new public relations co-ordinator for the organization, which raises money in support of local health-care facilities. She's a former director with the registered charity and has been involved with it for a number of years.
Devine's husband, John, died of cancer in March 2005. He spent a lot of time in the hospital in 100 Mile House.
Devine says she had a really good experience in a very tough situation. That's when and why she decided “to help the hospital that's helped me so much,” she explains.
“Most people will end up using this hospital one way or the other. It's such a positive thing when you have really good staff and great doctors.”
The SCHF was incorporated in 2002. It relies on public donations and works with local groups and organizes different fundraising initiatives throughout the year. Its goal is to enhance local health care and help facilities, such as the 100 Mile District General Hospital, Mill Site Lodge and Fischer Place purchase new equipment and other things they need to provide quality care.
It's going to have some challenges, Devine says of her new position.
“It's about going out there and doing your best to enlist other people and have donors keep donating, so we can keep this hospital going.”
Devine, who has more than 30 years experience in the communications field previously with BC Tel, says it's a challenge to fund quality health care, and communities can't solely rely on provincial funding.
“Whatever the changes are with government, there's always going to have to be the community getting together and making sure we work hard to save what we have.”