A fundraising initiative sponsored by the 100 Mile House Free Press and its advertisers netted close to $1,000 for the 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society.
The “Spirit of Christmas” promotion took place over four weeks in November and December and saw the community vote on which local charitable organization to support.
Lynda Lewis, chair of the 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society board, says she wants to thank the businesses involved and the members of the community that voted.
The hospice funds – bereavement co-ordinator Sarah Smith was presented with a $985 cheque on Jan. 7 – will go to buying new palliative care equipment and ongoing training and education for the society's two dozen volunteers.
“We don't use donated funds for salaries,” Lewis explains.
“We do have a contract with Interior Health. The majority of funds we get from Interior Health are used for salaries.”
Medical equipment in general – and items like sheepskins and special mattresses for palliative care clients – is very expensive, she adds.
“Our fundraisers are very small. [$985 is] amazing for us.”