By Melissa Smalley
A holiday fundraising event that kicks off later this month will help spread Christmas cheer, but more importantly, organizers say it will raise money for much-needed health-care equipment in the community.
Starry Nights, a campaign that includes a ceremony to light up 100 Mile District General Hospital on Nov. 18 (after the Santa Claus Parade) is the premiere fundraising event for the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF).
Last year's Starry Nights raised more than $30,000, says SCFH spokesperson Brenda Devine, which helped to fund the purchase of a trauma stretcher for the hospital.
This year's campaign, which encourages donors to become “Health Stars” by purchasing $50 stars to be represented at the lighting ceremony this month, will help to fund an Arjo bathtub for Fischer Place.
The $26,000 tub, which is height adjustable and able to recline, will help to provide a safe, relaxing and therapeutic bath environment for residents.
Benefits of therapeutic bathing include pain relief, enhanced mobility, reduction of symptoms in skin disease and improved psychological well-being.
Devine says maintaining and improving the health-care services in the community is essential for those living here, as well as young families and newcomers to the area, who want to be assured the resources they will need will be close at hand.
The Starry Nights campaign runs until the end of January; donations can be made by sending a cheque or cash to Bag 399 100 Mile House, B.C. V0K 2E0, or by dropping it off at the hospital reception desk.
In addition to becoming a Health Star, Devine says there are plenty of ways community members can help the SCHF.
"Gifts in-kind of equipment, books, artifacts, or a memorial gift in memory of a loved one – any of those kinds of things people can do to help our foundation. It all stays in the community; the money we raise never goes out of town."
For more information, call 250-706-2101.