Something to Celebrate

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In less than 5 months, the Sheep River Health Trust and our Rural Roots Donors are giving our seniors something to celebrate.
This year the Sheep River Health Trust budgeted to spend $100,000 to support programs, services and equipment needed to enhance healthcare in our communities.
In addition to the $100,000 that was allocated to fund these requests, the Trust was approached to fund three items, totaling approximately $150,000 which exceeded our annual budget. These items included the replacement of the Rising Sun handi-bus aka the Fun Bus, the renovation of the kitchen area at the Rising Sun Long Term Care and the purchase of two medication carts for the Sandstone and High Country Lodge.
With help from lead donours, Mrs. Ruby Cole and Mr. Ed Poffenroth, the Trust embarked on a fundraising campaign called “Rural Roots Continue to Care”. Nine donors contributed to the “Rural Roots Continue to Care” campaign and through their support, the Trust applied for a matching grant through the Community Initiatives Program with the Provincial Government and was successful in obtaining $42,548 which was allocated directly to the purchase of the new handi-bus.
“It's reassuring that the donors who made this campaign happen have a strong connection to our communities, they have seen the improvements in our health care system and believe in us. Health care has came a long way from the day when Mr. Poffenroth's parents hauled him by horse and buggy to the DeWinton Hall to have his tonsils taken out” said Melissa Pryor, Fund Development Officer for the Trust.
In addition to this campaign, the Trust was able raise $40,000 for a CR Kodak Reader for the Okotoks Health & Wellness Centre. This piece of equipment increases efficiency and reduces down-time in the x-ray department.
Since 1994, the Sheep River Health Trust, formerly known as the Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation, has raised over $2.5 million for health-related programs, services and equipment urgently needed in our local area. Last year alone, the Trust raised $300,000 to help deliver optimal health care to our communities. If you would like to support rural health care in your community, please call us at 403-995-5400. Together we make a difference!