For the past five of at least eight years, Mary Shennum has chaired the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF), and at the April 28 annual general meeting, she stepped down to vice-chair.
Chris [Nickless] was going to take over last year, but couldn't do it at the time, Shennum says.
“It's time for someone else to chair the foundation and Chris will be excellent."
With 46 years experience in the health-care industry, Shennum says she knew her way around the system and had a lot of contacts in the field.
"We, and I mean all members, made a lot of good changes. I had a great board to work with.
“One of the best things we did was create the position of PR/Fundraising we began by hiring M-J Cousins, and when she moved away, we brought in Brenda Devine, who is a wonderful addition, she really brought the foundation into the public eye."
Shennum says the SCHF needs to bring in $100,000 annually to support local health facilities and projects, and they ensure the money raised or donated remains in the community.
Incorporated in February 2002 after a reorganization of health-care delivery by the provincial government, the SCHF guiding principle was to ensure any and all funds raised or donated in the South Cariboo be used for equipment purchases, health-care projects or facilities in the local area.
"I was of the belief that if we had the money, we should spend it. Originally our primary focus was on primary and acute care.
“Now, we focus on good nutrition, too, by supporting the Soupe de Tour program in town. If people don't have food, they aren't going to be healthy.
"I'm proud of all that we have accomplished, but I'm very proud of our fundraising efforts and campaigning for getting the urology services back in 100 Mile House.”
At the AGM, the directors surprised Shennum with a cake and a gift certificate of thanks for her dedication and work over the past several years.