Staff and volunteers at the Victoria Hospital Foundation are busy getting ready for the 6th Annual GIVE a little life DAY radio-a-thon. The 12 hour event will take place on Friday, December 2nd, 2011 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Rawlco Radio will move all three Prince Albert stations to the Main Lobby of the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Throughout the day donations can be dropped off in person or they can be phoned in to either a Local or Toll Free number. The Victoria Hospital Foundation’s web site also offers the ability to make VISA and MasterCard credit card donations on their secure web site link using the
DONATE NOW button. The GOAL this year is to raise enough funds to replace and upgrade the Anesthetic Machines in
the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital. Anesthetic Machines are used to put patients to sleep and monitor their vital signs during the operation.

Last year the Victoria Regional Hospital preformed more than 5,100 operations. The Anesthetic Machines are now over ten years old. Parts for repairs and maintenance are getting difficult to locate. Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundations says: “Medical technology of this caliber comes with a cost, so our goals are high. Each machine costs $150,000. The Victoria Regional Hospital has four Operating Rooms”.

This year the foundation has arranged for an Anesthetic Machine to be on display at GIVE a little life DAY and a Factory Representative will also be on hand to participate in the broadcast and give demonstrations. In addition, doctors and nurses from the O.R. Unit will also be participating throughout the day.

Diane Matheson, volunteer chair, of the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for: individuals, businesses, groups, and organizations to really support their hospital by making a difference in the type of health care offered through their donations”.
Information about the 6th Annual GIVE a little life DAY is available on the Victoria Hospital’s web site: www.helpthevic.ca or by contacting the foundation office.

Each year more than 1,600 babies are delivered at the “Vic”. Many of those require specialized medical care and support. While most deliveries are routine, doctors will refer both expectant mothers from Prince Albert and as well as from central and northern Saskatchewan to the Victoria Regional Hospital if there are concerns for mom and or baby. That is because a higher level of medical care and equipment is available at the “Vic”.

The winning teams in the “Best Ball – Texas Scramble” event were:

3rd Place with a team score of 59 the Mark Engen Team

2nd Place with a team score of 58 the Rick Leaderhouse team

1st Place with a team score of -14 the Martin Ring Team

(Martin Ring, Dr. Louis Poulin, Dennis Brown and Gordon Brown)

On hand to preset the trophy and prizes were: Millie Hjertaas, wife of the late Doctor Orville Hjertaas as well as sons Doug, Don, Randy and Rick. The boys also played in the event.

Top Six individual Fund Raisers were:

Brenda Cripps $ 1,635

Dr. Randy Friesen $ 1,700

“Barney’ Hjertaas $ 2,000

Vi Akers $ 2,715

Dr. Louis Poulin $12,145

Rick Leaderhouse $13,350

Qualifiers for the Arctic Cat Quad were Dr. Louis Poulin and Rick Leaderhouse. Both have a history of donating their prizes back to the Victoria Hospital Foundation for future fund raising.

Golfers came from throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region as well as neighbouring provinces and the U.S. Rob Dalziel said, “Each year we see families and friends come together to participate in this fun fund raiser. For some it is the only time they golf all year. In addition, we see groups of lifelong friends return to Prince Albert to be a part of the event.” Dalziel is especially pleased to see so many doctors, nurses and hospital staff involved. “I guess that is the ultimate vote of support as to the need and the purpose, when see staff pitch in and help”, commented Dalziel.

"The real winners, from the event, will be all the people who will benefit from enhanced health as a result of the new medical equipment”, stated Diane Matheson, chair of the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

Next year’s event is already booked for Friday, August 24th 2012.

A regular player in the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s “Weekly Radio Bingo”, Helen Zuck, has only missed one game since it started in February of 2009. Helen said, “I am still shaking with excitement since my big win”. She plans to share some of the winnings with her sister Brenda, who she refers to as, “My good luck charm”. Getting a hair perm is also on her agenda. Helen said she plans to continue playing every week since the proceeds go to such a good cause.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, Weekly Radio Bingo has now paid out over $200,000 in prizes to winners since its launch. Proceeds are used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Weekly Radio Bingo is broadcast every Thursday beginning at 7:00 pm and can be heard on Today’s Country 900 CKBI, in La Ronge on 95.9 FM and in Big River on 92.5 FM. The weekly game packs cost just $5.00 and are available through a network of retailers in Prince Albert and across central and northern Saskatchewan. Details about retail locations, rules and a list of recent winners are posted on the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s web site: www.helpthevic.ca

The 14th Annual Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Golf Classic got a fund raising boost of $2,000 from four Prince Albert and area Pediatricians. Each year the event raises funds to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. This year funds will go to purchase up to five Vital Signs Monitors for the hospital’s Nursery, in the Maternity Unit. Last year more than 1,600 babies were delivered at the Victoria Regional Hospital. Many of those newborns required specialized monitoring and medical care.

“Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan are booming both economically and in population growth. That has put additional pressure on the “Vic’s” Maternity Unit”, said Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation. In Prince Albert and throughout central and northern Saskatchewan often, if, the attending physician has concerns about baby, mother or both they will be referred to the Victoria Regional Hospital where greater levels of medical care, equipment and specialized expertise are available.

The 14th Annual Hjertaas Golf Classic is set to go on Friday, August 26th at Cooke Municipal Golf Course.

River Park Memorial Chapel and Prince Albert Memorial Gardens have been involved every year since the inception of the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s highly successful Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Golf Fund Raiser. Manager, Phil Fredette says, “It is important to us to be involved in the community. Health care touches all of us throughout our lives. We see this event as great way to give back.”

“In addition to being Title Sponsors with strong financial support, they also provide valuable leadership by actively participating in the planning committee as well”, according to Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

The 14th Annual Hjertaas Golf Classic is set to go on Friday, August 26th at Cooke Municipal Golf Course. Funds raised will be used to help purchase Vital Signs Monitors for the Nursery in the Maternity Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital. Last year more than 1,600 babies were delivered at the hospital. Many required specialized monitoring and care.

“We are off to a tremendous start, said Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation, Golfers and Sponsors have been lining up to get on board”. Dalziel says while the event is just a month away, Friday, August 26th, we are going to need all the help we can muster.” Our goal is to raise enough funds to help purchase Vital Signs Monitors for the Nursery in the Maternity Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital. Each monitor has a cost of $20,000 and five are needed.

Last year the Victoria Regional Hospital delivered over 1,600 babies. Many of those needed specialized medical care and attention. As a major referral centre for central and northern Saskatchewan, mothers-to-be and babies are often referred to Prince Albert if their doctor has concerns about mom, baby or both. No child ever asks to be born sick or with serious medical challenges, Dalziel points out, the good news is we have the doctors, nurses and care teams that that are trained to identify and remedy or minimize many of these medical challenges. We need to have the medical equipment to help them do that. In many cases the babies can go on to lead healthy and productive lives. It really is an investment in our future.

Businesses like Conexus Credit Union and River Park Funeral Home along with Memorial Gardens have taken a leadership role both in financial support and also by volunteering staff to help plan, organize and run the event.

Already the afternoon Tee-Off times are filled however there are still some morning Tee-Off times available. There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses, groups and individuals to participate.

For details visit the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s web site: www.helpthevic.ca or phone 306 765 6105.

We felt it was time for another Thank You Party for our friends at Kin Enterprises. With our 1st ever Weekly Radio Bingo $10,000 Loonie Pot they made an extra effort to make sure we would have enough Game Packs for all our retailers. Since it was June, the sun was shining and it was HOT we decided on an ICE CREAM CAKE party!

Visit our web site: www.helpthevic.ca for retailer locations, Rules and a list of recent winners. Proceeds go to purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Items such as Wheel Chairs, Digital Mammography Unit, Endoscopy Suite and Operating Rooms equipment have been purchased with support from Weekly Radio Bingo.

Sylvia Henderson is a regular player of the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Weekly Radio Bingo. Her latest win came on June 16th when she shared the $10,000 Loonie Pot. Sylvia says she has not decided how she will spend her winnings. Sylvia won a Blackout Jackpot last year and has won in regular games from time to time.

Sharon Lajeunesse was playing Weekly Radio Bingo with her mother when she realized she too would share in the $10,000 Loonie Pot. Sharon joked that with teen age daughters she doesn’t think she will have any trouble deciding how to spend the money.

To date, Weekly Radio Bingo players have won more than $182,000 in prizes. Proceeds are used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Equipment has included items such as: Wheel Chairs, Digital Mammography, Day Surgery, and Operating Room Equipment.

For more information about the Victoria Hospital Foundation, Weekly Radio Bingo and a list of recent winners, retail locations, rules and our annual Golf Fundraiser visit our web site: www.helpthevic.ca

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion No. 2 have donated more than $21,800 to purchase new medical equipment for the Chemotherapy Unit and the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert. The equipment purchased included: a stretcher, Chemo Chair, IV Pumps and art work. The money came from the 2009/2010 Poppy Fund.

The donation of Aeroplan Miles to the Victoria Hospital Foundation during the month of April has been very encouraging according to foundation executive director, Rob Dalziel. In total more than 146,000 Aeroplan Miles were donated or transferred to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. The foundation uses the donated Aeroplan Miles to offset or reduce fund raising costs throughout the year.

This year’s campaign had two major partners, Malcolm Jenkins of Canadian Tire, who offered to match each Aeroplan Mile donated up to a total of 50,000 miles. The other new partner this year was Home Building Centre in Prince Albert. Home Build Centre also ran an in-house contest for donors who donated their Aeroplan Miles at the store. Eligible donors were entered to win a draw for a $1,000 Home Building Centre Gift Card. The winner was Bart DeMarie of Prince Albert.

May is Leave a Legacy Month in Canada. For many years the Victoria Hospital Foundation together with numerous other charities in Prince Albert and area promote this awareness event. Surveys indicate that more than 50% of Canadians still do not have a will. For many of those who do have a will it is often out of date and would benefit from an update to reflect current circumstances and asset values. Many Canadians do not realize how much the value of their assets has grown.

The Victoria Hospital Foundation has just received an estate gift of $25,000. The donor directed the funds be used to help purchase a Dialysis Machine for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Several years ago the donor contacted our foundation office to discuss the Dialysis program and where help was needed. In addition to gifts to family and church the donor also included the gift to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

The foundation has benefited from numerous estate gifts. Last year we launched the Legacy Leaders campaign to indentify and encourage estate gifts to the foundation. The campaign yielded significant “intentions” from those contacted.

Warmth. If you have ever been in the hospital recovering from surgery you know how comforting a warm blanket can be. When the Rotary Club of Prince Albert learned a $5,000 Blanket Warmer was needed on the 6th Floor, Medicine Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert they responded quickly.

Rotary Club President, Brian Bosomworth commented, “Our members are always very interested in how we can contribute to the community in a meaningful way. This just seemed like the right thing to do for so many positive reasons and we acted quickly.”

Debbie Wing, Nurse Unit Manager said, “We had a real need for the Blanket Warmer. We often have many patients who are a little older and keeping them warm can be a challenge. We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Prince Albert for responding so quickly to our patient’s need.”

Here is a great opportunity to “help the Vic” the Victoria Regional Hospital AND you won’t have to reach for your cheque book.

In the month of April you can donate/transfer any or all of your Aeroplan Miles to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. Remember, “Use them or lose them”? Why not donate them? The Victoria Hospital Foundation uses your donated Aeroplan Miles to help reduce our fund raising costs. We use the Aeroplan Miles to acquire fund raising incentive prizes for events like our Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Golf Classic in August and other events throughout the year.

Once again, Canadian Tire’s Malcolm Jenkins, has said: He will match your donated Aeroplan Miles, up to a total of 50,000 Aeroplan Miles. What a great way to double up!

New, this year, is Prince Albert’s Home Building Centre. Wayne his staff at Home Building Centre have a great way to help out. When you make a purchase at Prince Albert’s Home Building Centre and donate your Aeroplan Miles you earn, at the store, you are entered for an “in store” contest. Even if you don’t buy anything you can still donate your Aeroplan Miles at Prince Albert’s Home Building Centre and enter the contest.

For more information and to DOWNLOAD your donation/transfer form visit our website at www.helpthevic.ca

Play Weekly Radio Bingo every Thursday at 7 PM!

Our first ever $10,000 Loonie Pot is now - in play! Tell your family and friends. Organize your own Bingo Party. We are shipping more $5.00 Game Packs but many of our retailers have been selling out. Don’t wait too long get your $5.00 Game Pack(s) early.

Weekly Radio Bingo begins every Thursday at 7:00 PM on Today’s Country 900 CKBI. In La Ronge listen to 95.9 FM. In Big River listen to 92.5 FM.

More than $161,000 has been won by Weekly Radio Bingo players. Proceeds help buy medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Patients at the Victoria Regional Hospital and Bingo Players have been the big winners in the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Weekly Radio Bingo. Since launching the weekly event in February of 2009 more than $161,000 in prize money has been paid out. Proceeds have been used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert.

Bingo prizes have included regular weekly game winnings plus thirteen $5,000 Loonie Pots. The Victoria Regional Hospital has receive funds from the Foundation to help purchase Endoscopy Equipment, Wheel Chairs and most recently medical equipment to upgrade and modernize the Operating Rooms.

In January the Foundation announced the Loonie Pot prize would increase to $10,000. Weekly Radio Bingo Game Packs are sold through a network of retailers in Prince Albert and across central and northern Saskatchewan. Each Game Pack sells for just $5.00. One dollar from each Game Pack sold goes into the Loonie Pot. Once the Loonie Pot reaches $10,000 it goes “into play”.

Weekly Radio Bingo is broadcast over Today’s Country 900 CKBI each Thursday beginning at 7:00 pm. If you live in La Ronge you can listen on 95.9 FM. If you live in Big River you can listen on 92.5 FM.

For more information about the Victoria Hospital’s Weekly Radio Bingo including retailers near you, a list of recent winners and Game Rules visit the Victoria Hospital Foundation web site: www.helpthevic.ca

“I cannot begin to tell you how excited our Operating Room Teams are about having this new equipment here”, said Doctor Randy Friesen, “This is state-of-the-art medical equipment and it is going to make a huge difference”. The new and upgraded medical equipment for the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital has started to arrive. The $400,000 required to purchase the equipment was raised during a 12 hour GIVE a little life DAY Radio-a-thon hosted by Rawlco Radio’s three stations: Today’s Country 900 CKBI, Power 99 FM and MIX 101 FM The event was held on Friday, December 3rd, 2010. The list of medical equipment included: Laparoscopic surgery instruments and monitors, new brighter LED Operating Room lights, a Hysteroscope, a Dermatome and tourniquet.

“Individuals, groups, organizations, unions and businesses all pitched to make this possible”, said Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation, “This is yet another strong indication the people of Prince Albert and throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region view health care as a priority issue”.

Upgrades to the operating rooms are expected to be completed over the next several weeks.

“It was the most successful event of this type we have staged to date”’ said Jerry Jarvis, the corrections worker who co-ordinates the annual ride.

Cyclists rode 100 kilometers on Friday, June 18th to raise funds for the Victoria Hospital Foundation. From the money raise $10,000 is earmarked to support the Emergency Room at the Victoria Regional Hospital. The Victoria Hospital Foundation will allocate the balance to where it is needed most.

“It’s a good opportunity to fundraise, especially for something that is local, because more people want to see more things done in their community,” said Lindsey Busser, a corrections worker and first time participant with the Saskatchewan Correctional Charity Riders.

Jerry Jarvis agrees, “At the end of the journey you see what happens with the money, it stays in the community.”

The funds were raised through rider pledges and a barbeque lunch. The event was the largest held to date with 25 cyclists participating.

Mark Heidecker of Prince Albert is the $5,000 Loonie Pot winner in the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Weekly Radio Bingo. Mark indicated they plan to buy some new furniture and make repairs to the family’s van. Beyond that he says they really haven’t had too much time to think about it. Mark said, “I couldn’t believe it, at first, it happened so fast, I had all five I's”.

Mark was the winner of the final $5,000 Loonie Pot. From now on all Loonie Pots will be $10,000. Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundations says, “We are just weeks away from putting our first $10,000 Loonie Pot into play. The Black Out Jack Pot for March 17th will be $1,200”.

The proceeds from Weekly Radio Bingo are used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Most recently $50,000 was used to help purchase Operating Room equipment.

It is amazing what a weekly “Casual Dress Day” can accomplish. Employees at the Sasktel Store located in the Gateway Mall in Prince Albert used the funds they raised to help purchase a Broslow Advance Care Cart for the Pediatric Unit (Children’s Ward) at the Victoria Regional Hospital. The cart is colour coded to represent various children’s sizes. Each colour coded drawer contains medications and medical equipment specific to the child’s size. The cart is part of a commitment to patient safety and delivering the best possible patient care. Jane Antoine, Nursing Unit Manager – Pediatrics said, “Our staff our so excited about getting this Advanced Care Cart it ties in perfectly with our programs and care practices”.

On each Casual Dress Day employees at the Sasktel Store made a donation and they also sold “Sasktel Little Red Bags”. Their combined effort raised $1,911. The hope was to raise $2,000 to help purchase the Advanced Care Cart. When their Tier 2 manager, Jason Tiller, saw the results he personally donated $89.00 to reach the $2,000 goal.

Prince Albert’s Herb Bassett Home received a $500 donation from Prince Albert Lodge #50 of the Royal Purple. The presentation took place during a recent visit to Prince Albert by Lynda Nolan, Supreme Honoured Royal Lady and National President of Royal Purple Canada. While in Prince Albert, Nolan toured the Victoria Hospital’s Dialysis Unit, Chemotherapy Unit and the Herb Bassett Home. All have benefitted from previous Royal Purple support.

Over the years the Royal Purple Lodge #50 in Prince Albert has been a significant and frequent supporter of various facilities and programs operated throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region.

Royal Purple, Prince Albert Lodge #50 gave Pineview Terrace Lodge a much needed boost with a $500 donation. Marj Bodnarchuk indicated the funds will be used to assist with the purchase of a special chair called a Broda Chair. The donation was presented during the recent visit to Prince Albert by Lynda Nolan, Supreme Honoured Royal Lady and President of Royal Purple Canada.

While in Prince Albert the Royal Purple dignataries toured the Dialysis Unit and the Chemotherapy Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital. The Royal Purple have been significant supporters of many facilities operated

The Royal Purple have been among the many groups, organizations, businesses and individuals who have helped the Victoria Hospital’s Chemotherapy Unit. Lynda Nolan, Supreme Honoured Royal Lady and National President, Royal Purple of Canada visited the unit to see the many recent changes and upgrades to medical equipment and patient care.

In addition to funding for the Chemotherapy Unit, Royal Purple have provided funding for many other projects in other facilities throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region.

The Elks and Royal Purple through their generous donations have facilitated the purchase of fourteen dialysis machines for the Victoria Regional Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit totaling over $400,000.00 since the project began in 1987.

The Elks and Royal Purple became interested in the Dialysis Project in 1987 when a friend of a Weldon Elks member in need of Dialysis was required to travel to Saskatoon for treatment. Further investigation revealed there were a large number of people facing this same issue. The Elks District Deputy of the day Frank Sudol, Royal Purple member Donna Backstrom and the then director of the Victoria Hospital, David Fan lobbied Saskatchewan Health for the establishment of a Dialysis Unit in Prince Albert and convinced them that this was feasible as a satellite unit of the St. Paul’s Hospital. Saskatchewan Health agreed they would provide the funding for training and staff to operate the unit. The Elks immediately made the commitment that all Capital Costs including the purchase of dialysis machines and the continued operation of the unit would be funded by the Elks and Royal Purple.

The Elks of the Elks District No. 2 and Royal Purple Lodges of Royal Purple District No. 4 which includes the communities of Big River, Canwood, La Ronge, Paddockwood, Prince Albert, Shellbrook and Weldon made a commitment that they would assist in fund raising by working Bingos and undertake other projects to provide the hardware for Dialysis Treatment in Prince Albert. All Elks and Royal Purple Lodges within close proximity of Prince Albert agreed that they would travel to Prince Albert to work monthly Bingos at Carnival Bingo. The La Ronge Elks agreed that they would raise funds in their community due to the long distance that they would have to travel to Prince Albert. The project has also received in excess of $20,000.00 from the La Ronge Elks and Royal Purple and a generous gift of $10,000.00 from the Northern Bingo Alliance (the Charities of Carnival Bingo). The fund has received a number of bequests from the estates of former patients of dialysis treatment.

The Renal Dialysis Unit opened at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert in June of 1989 with one nurse, 2 patients and support staff operating 3 days a week. The Unit currently serves 24 people per day working six days a week with 144 procedures a week. The unit requires updates and replacement machines to continue to provide service as these machines do wear out and also require “back up” units while equipment is being serviced.

The Order of the Royal Purple Lodges continue to support the Victoria Hospital Foundation with their generous donations. In 2001, two beds were purchased for the bed campaign.

7 TV’s and VCR’s were donated for pediatrics. 6 TV’s, DVD’s & Stands were purchased for the maternity ward. Funds are being raised for the Herb Bassett Home. The Royal Purple has also made significant donations to the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Annual Give a Little Life Day Radio-A-Thons.

Nothing succeeds like success. Just ask the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce,CEO, Bergen Price about the “sell out” success of the 2010 Heritage Christmas Ornament Program. The ornaments quickly sold out well before Christmas. The 2010 ornament featured the Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI). The ornament was created to recognize and feature the 100th anniversary of PACI. It is believed many Prince Albert ex-pats, now living in locations around the world, snapped up or placed orders for the ornaments at the 100th Anniversary Celebrations held in the summer of 2010. Heritage Ornaments are available seasonally from leading retailers and financial instutions throughout the city of Prince Albert.

The Heritage Christmas Ornament Program is a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and the Victoria Hospital Foubndation. Proceeds are donated to the foundation to assist with the purchase of medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “this program has been a winner since day one. It is a great way to remember and honour significant buildings located througout our community. It is also a tremendous way to help the Victoria Regional Hospital”.

Each year a different heritage building is featuresd. Some back issues of the Heritage Ornaments are still available from the Chamber. For more information contact the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce at 764 6222.

Work is underway to add a little additional office space to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. Increased donor support and growing expectations placed upon the foundation to help meet future hospital needs have prompted the modest expansion.

The Victoria Hospital Foundation was launched 25 years ago. Public support for the work and goals of the foundation have resulted in more than $8,000,000 in donations since it was launched in 1985. In just the past ten years donors have contributed over $7,000,000 in funds to assist with the upgrade and replacement of medical equipment in almost every area of the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “the community in both Prince Albert and across central and northern Saskatchewan understand their donation support makes a huge difference. New and upgraded medical equipment also helps hospital staff to do a better job of what they are trained to do. In part, it is also about staff retention and recruitment too. It can mean shorter wait times and quicker recoveries. It is all about people helping people receive the best possible health care. People understand that. They are willing to do what they can to help make that happen.”

Donations for medical equipment can mean better and quicker images such as X-rays and CT scans and much more. It can mean helping a newborn with some medical problems, at birth, receive timely treatment to go on to live a full and healthy life. It can also mean fewer costly and worrisome trips to other distant centers for treatment. It is really is about bringing better healthcare closer to home.

As a regional hospital the load and demands on the Victoria Regional Hospital have grown significantly and are expected to continue to increase as Prince Albert together with central and northern Saskatchewan continues to grow. The Victoria Hospital Foundation needs to adjust to help meet those increasing demands and expectations for the future.

Renovations to the foundation office space are expected to be completed in the next few days. Meanwhile the foundation’s office staff continue to work as the walls are moved.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, February 9th we visited Kin Enterprises say “THANK YOU” to some very special people. Each of these amazing people help us prepare the Weekly Radio Bingo Game Packs which are distributed to our retailers.

We ordered a Special “Thank You – Bingo Cake” and we had a Thank You Party!

When employees at the Prince Albert Conexus Credit Union were given the option to select the charities they wanted to help it didn’t take long for them to pick the Victoria Hospital Foundation. In return Conexus donates $25.00 per employee to the charity their employees select.

The Victoria Hospital Foundation’s, executive director, Rob Dalziel, said the funds will be used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Dalziel commented, “Every day we learn of ways in which having the right medical equipment at the right time can make a huge difference to patient outcomes. It could mean that a grandmother gets to see her daughter’s graduation or it could mean that a father gets to attend his son’s wedding. Health care is important to everyone and this gift, like so many others, will make a positive difference in helping to bring better healthcare closer to home”.

Kim Fisher of Prince Albert and Betty Regnier of St. Louis will share the $5,000 Loonie Pot they won on Thursday, December 30th playing the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Wekkly Radio Bingo. For Kim this is the second time she has won a Loonie Pot. This is Betty’s first Loonie Pot win. They will split the $5,000 prize. Loonie Pot winners also receive a “Lucky Ducky tee shirt to go with their win.

Since launching Weekly Radio Bingo, in February of 2009, there have been twelve $5,000 Loonie Pot wins to date. In total more than $145,000 in prize money has been won by Weekly Radio Bingo players. Proceeds are used by the Victoria Hospital Foundation to assist with the purchase of needed medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital.

The Victoria Hospital Foundation recently announced it will be increasing the prize value of the Loonie Pots to $10,000 in 2011. Currently, there is one $5,000 Loonie Pot to be won which is carried over from 2010.

Proceeds from Weekly Radio Bingo have been used to assist with the purchase of: special STAXI wheel chairs, Endoscopy Surgical Equipment and Surgical Equipment for the hospital’s Operating Rooms.

Weekly Radio Bingo is played every Thursday between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm and is broadcast on Today’s Country 900 CKBI. The program can be heard in La Ronge on 95.9 FM and in Big River on 92.5 FM.

Weekly Radio Bingo game packs sell for just $5.00 each and include six 3-Up game cards. For a list of Weekly Radio Bingo retailers and recent winners visit the foundation’s web site at: www.helpthevic.ca

A significant donation from Thorpe Brothers Limited, in Prince Albert, has brought the 5th annual GIVE a little life Campaign to less than 3% of its $400,000 goal. While the Victoria Hospital Foundation has given the “go ahead” to the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region to order the medical equipment needed to upgrade the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital the funds are needed to complete the purchase.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “the doctors and nurses who work in the OR Unit are thrilled with the news. I spoke with several of them early this morning and they are very excited.” Drew Gray, chair of the Victoria Hospital Foundation board of directors said, “This is an excellent example of a local company doing business in the region giving back to the community they serve.”

The new medical equipment is expected to start arriving within four to six weeks. Some equipment will take a little longer to arrive and several items will require professional installation by trained technicians.

Individuals and businesses wishing to make a donation to the GIVE a little life Campaign should contact the Victoria Hospital Foundation or visit its web site to make a secure donation at: www.helpthevic.ca

The Victoria Regional Hospital provides medical care to more than 77,000 residents throughout the Prince Albert Parkland health Region. The region is one of the largest and busiest in the province.

The Victoria Hospital Foundation says it has given the “go ahead” to the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region to order medical equipment needed to replace and upgrade aging and failing equipment in the Victoria Regional Hospital’s Operating Room Unit.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundations said, “Donations continue to come in since the Friday, December 3rd 12 hour GIVE a little life DAY radio-a-thon. We are amazed and grateful with the tremendous outpouring of generosity we have received.” Dalziel went on to indicate, “A combination of circumstances have come together work in our favour: a slower than expected economic recovery in the United States means many hospitals in the US have slowed or reduced their purchases of medical equipment and a Canadian Dollar at or near par with the US dollar has given us added purchasing power.”

Drew Gray, chair of the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “While the foundation and Rawlco Radio can take satisfaction in a job well done the real winners are the people who helped make this happen and ultimately the patients who will use the Victoria Regional Hospital”.

The foundation is just 8% away from of their goal of $400,000 and is confident they are in a position to fund the purchase of much needed equipment for the Operating Rooms. The equipment should begin arriving in the next four to six weeks. Some of the equipment will take a little longer to arrive and be installed. The foundation will issue updates as the work progresses.

The Victoria Regional Hospital provides medical care to more than 77,000 people in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. The region is one of the largest in the province.

When the staff at the Canadian Tire Gas Bar in Prince Albert decided they wanted to do something nice for Christmas and the Children’s Ward at the Victoria Regional Hospital manager Dave Cochrane was all in favor. Together with the staff they organized a Chili Sale and raised over $242.00. Angie Falk, assistant manager at the Gas Bar said the customers were thrilled to help by purchasing chili and biscuits. According to Falk, many Gas Bar customers said they thought it was a great idea and a number of them made cash donations too.

The money will be used to ensure children who are in the hospital over Christmas have a very merry Christmas.

“It’s not every day we wet to do something as nice and rewarding as this”, said Ron Bird, manager with the SGI Claims Center in Prince Albert. Several staff members from the SGI Claims Center were on hand at the Pediatric (Children’s) Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert on Tuesday to help unpack two large sacs of toys which they donated.

Jane Antoine, Nurse Unit Manager indicated the toys will be put to good use. Often children are lonesome and the days can be long for them so the toys are a great help. Antoine was pleased that many of the toys were games and educational in nature as well.

The Victoria Regional Hospital serves more than 77,000 people from throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health region. The Region is one of the largest in the province.

It is not too late to get your donation in to the GIVE a little life DAY campaign. The Victoria Hospital Foundation advises they are just 8% away from reaching their goal of $400,000. The funds will be used to purchase medical equipment needed to upgrade the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert.

The Victoria Regional Hospital serves over 77,000 people throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. The region is one of the largest in the province.

All smiles. (center right) teacher Kim Cody, Jane Antoine Nurse Unit Manager Pediatrics and

teacher Nancy Hug together with the Grade One students from Red Wing School present Christmas

toys to the Pediatric Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert.

Prince Albert Collegiate Institute(P.A.C.I.) is the theme for this year’s Heritage Christmas Ornaments.

Many banks, Credit Unions and retailers are already SOLD OUT of these popular gift items. At just $15.00 each they make a great gift or stocking stuffer. To find out which banks and retailers still have them contact the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce at 764 6222.

Some ornaments from previous years are also available through the Chamber.

Proceeds go to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

Oystein Jacobsen of Green Acres

The Canadian Tire Snow Blower donated by Canadian Tire and Malcolm Jenkins was won by: Oystein & Marit Jacobsen of Green Acres. Oystein took delivery on December 14th just in time for this winter’s snow.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this year’s GIVE a little life DAY. If you haven’t made your donation yet, it is not too late! We are still accepting donations. Funds will be used to purchase medical equipment for the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital.

In just 12 hours the 5th annual GIVE a little life DAY radio-a-thon, organized by the Victoria Hospital Foundation and Rawlco Radio, raised more than $355,000. The money will be used to help purchase much needed medical equipment for the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert. When “sign off time” arrived at 6:00 pm the phones were still ringing. Organizers with the Victoria Hospital Foundation believe that with late donations and donations from those who were away they could reach their goal of $400,000.

The Operating rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital have been falling behind the pace of new and upgraded medical technology and procedures. While much of the current equipment is still functioning its days are numbered. Items such as new operating room lights which use energy efficient LED lights and tools used in laparoscopic surgery are on the list to be replaced and upgraded. In addition, other medical tools such and a dermatome used in skin grafting and a tourniquet which is used in 95% of orthopedic procedures as well as a hysteroscope a medical tool used to detect and diagnose certain cancers, fibroids and in assisting with other medical procedures are all on the short list of urgently needed medical equipment.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation was optimistic the remaining funds will come in. “What we have witnessed today, from across the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, is a tremendous outpouring of generosity and support for what we are doing”, said Dalziel. The foundation’s volunteer chair, Drew Gray stated. “I think this sends a very powerful message to our politicians at every level that the people of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region view health care as a priority and today they voted with their wallets.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the Victoria Hospital Foundation at 306 765 6105.

This year the Chamber has chosen PACI as the theme for its Heritage Christmas Ornament series to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the high school. All proceeds from the sale of the ornaments will go to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

The Heritage Christmas Ornaments are now on sale in Prince Albert at: Banks, Credit Unions, the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Offices and the Victoria Hospital Foundation office. The ornaments retail for just $15.00 each. The chamber indicates that for those wishing to complete the series back issues from previous years, featuring different heritage buildings in the community, are still available.

This is the 11th year for the Heritage Christmas Ornament program.

Bergen Price, CEO with the chamber indicates that to date the chamber has raised and donated over $10,000 to the foundation.

Foundation staff at the Victoria Regional Hospital, in Prince Albert, are busy making final preparations for the 5th annual "GIVE a little life DAY" Radio-a-thon. The fund raising event will be broadcast live from the main lobby of the Victoria Regional Hospital on Friday, December 3rd from 6:00 AM to 600 PM on all three of Rawlco Radio's Prince Albert stations.

This year the goal is to raise over $400,000 to replace and upgrade urgently needed medical equipment in the Operating Room. Victoria Hospital Foundation executive director, Rob Dalziel said, "Over the past four years we have seen overwhelming generosity and support of our annual Radio-a-thons. Together, donors have helped us raise over $1,600,000 to purchase much needed medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. This is a tremendous outpouring of generosity from both Prince Albert as well as across central and northern Saskatchewan. People recognize that the Victoria Regional Hospital is their hospital. It is their "go to place" for health care and it serves the entire region. This year the focus is on the Operating Rooms at the Victoria Regional Hospital. With donations we can purchase urgently needed medical equipment which can shorten waiting times, reduce cancellations due to equipment failures, increase the number of operations and even reduce the number of expensive and inconvenient referrals to distant centers."

Operating Room equipment on list includes surgical tools such as: Laparoscopic Equipment, for minimally invasive surgery. With shorter recovery times many patients arriving in the morning will be home by evening. Patients get back to activities of daily living sooner. Decreased length of surgical time will allow for more surgeries to be completed in a day, thus shortening long waiting lists. O.R Lights will use new LED energy efficient bulbs, which don't turn out during surgeries and cause delays and rescheduling. A Dermatome used for skin grafts and reconstructive plastic surgeries will reduce referrals to distant centers. A Tourniquet which is used in 95% of orthopedic procedures will help our expanding team of orthopedic surgeons reduce waiting times. A Hysteroscope is a tool used to detect and diagnose cancer, fibroids and assist with other medical procedures.

Dalziel pointed out The Victoria Hospital has a skilled team of doctors, nurses and medical support staff. One of the biggest incentives in retaining and recruiting medical professionals is to ensure they have the specialized tools they need to do their jobs.

The foundation indicated there are many ways to help. Call in your pledge during the Radio-a-thon: 306 -763-7421 or toll free 1-800-667-9000. Donate online at www.helpthevic.ca, mail in your form, or drop it off in the lobby of the Victoria Hospital during the live broadcast on Friday, December 3rd between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekly Radio Bingo has been paying off "big time" for both bingo players and the Victoria Regional Hospital Foundation. Since launching the Weekly Radio Bingo program, in February of 2009, which airs at 7:00 pm each Thursday on "Today's Country 900 CKBI Radio" more than $139,000 in prizes have been won by players. In that figure are eleven $5,000 "Loonie Pot" prizes totaling $55,000.

Proceeds from the Weekly Radio Bingo program are used to facilitate the purchase of much needed medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital. Items purchased include special STAXI Wheel Chairs, Endoscopy Suite medical tools used for the detection and diagnosis for various internal diseases such as bowel cancer, which can be life threatening.

Other medical equipment purchased using the bingo proceeds include respiratory equipment for the Obstetric (Maternity) and Pediatric (Children's) Units.

Weekly Radio Bingo cards, in support of the Victoria Hospital Foundation, which sell for $5.00 a package, are available from leading retailers throughout Prince Albert and at numerous retail locations in central and northern Saskatchewan. A complete list of retailers, recent winners and rules are available on line at the Victoria Hospital Foundation's web site: www.helpthevic.ca

On Friday, November 12th “on air” staff from Rawlco Radio’s three stations: Today’s Country 900 CKBI, Power 99 FM & MIX 101FM were given a tour of the Victoria Regional Hospital’s Operating Room #2. 

The tour was in preparation for the 5th Annual GIVE a little life DAY Rawlco Radio-a-thon. This year’s goal is to raise over $400,000 to replace or upgrade medical equipment in the O.R. with new state-of-the-art medical equipment.  Items such as Laparoscopic Surgery equipment, new digital LED Operating Room Lights, a Dermatome used for reconstructive surgery as well as a Tourniquet used in 95% of surgeries and a Hysteroscope which is a tool used to detect and diagnose cancer, fibroids and assist with other medical procedures are all needed.

As a Regional Hospital our operating rooms are extremely busy as a result our equipment is used a lot more, shows signs of high use and is also quickly becoming obsolete. Repair or replacement parts are increasingly hard to locate.

The benefits of having this amazing new medical equipment are: 

·        Less invasive surgeries

·        Quicker recoveries and discharges

·        Fewer cancelations of surgeries

·        Fewer re-admissions and rescheduled surgeries

·        Better detections and diagnosis

·        Fewer referrals to distant centers 

This year GIVE a little life DAY will take place on Friday, December 3rd “live” from the Main Lobby of the Victoria Regional Hospital from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. All three Rawlco Radio Stations will be broadcasting throughout the day. You can drop by and make you gift in person, have your gift announced “on air” or you can phone in your donation. You can also make your gift using our secure electronic web site: www.helpthevic.ca

On Friday, December 3rd: Listen, then Give.

For more information contact the Victoria Hospital Foundation at 765 6105

It was all fun and games at the Victoria Regional Hospital’s Pediatric Unit on Friday, November 5th.  The Prince Albert Cineplex Theatre teamed up with the Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada to present a custom designed Video Game Unit.  The units have been custom designed and built specifically for hospital use.  The Video Game Unit came pre-loaded with all the latest and most popular video games and was ready to “plug and play”. The $5,000 Video Game Unit includes Wii games and a host of other entertainment and educational activities. 

Erika Streich, Account Manager with the Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada said the units are part of an ongoing partnership with Cineplex to donate and update existing units. She congratulated the local Cineplex theatre, its employees and theatre patrons who all helped to donate funds to purchased the unit. Streich indicated that across Canada the Video Game Units will be used about 300,000 time a year by children in  various hospitals. “It is a terrific way to help sick children cope with pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities”, said Streich.

Jane Antoine, Nurse Unit Manager of the Pediatric Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital indicated, “The Video Game Units are in great demand by young patients. At times we may even have to time share the units between several patients.” Antoine stated each year over 1,300 young patients are admitted to the Pediatric Unit, they come from the city as well as across central and northern Saskatchewan.

“TREE OF LIFE” CAMPAIGN

SHOPPERS DRUG MART

 September 18 - October 15

100% of every dollar donated goes in support of

Women’s Health

at the Victoria Regional Hospital

Drop by either of Prince Albert’s two Shoppers DrugMart Stores, Cornerstone or South Hill Mall

Buy a “Leaf” or an “Apple”

Total raised to be announced on

GIVE a little life DAY

“O. R. Upgrade”

Friday, December 3rd

6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Live from the Main Lobby

of the Victoria Regional Hospital

Sasktel Pioneers & Prince Albert Raiders Donate over 500

Teddy Bears to Victoria Regional Hospital

Sasktel Pioneers and the Prince Albert Raider Hockey Club teamed up for the “Annual Raiders Teddy Bear Toss”. On Tuesday, September 28th the two groups present the more than 500 Teddy Bears to the Victoria Regional Hospital.

The Teddy Bears will be given to children in the Children’s Ward (Pediatric Unit) as well as children in the Day Surgery Unit and the Emergency Unit.

Each year the Pediatric Unit at the Victoria Regional Hospital treats more than 1,300 children for various types of illness as well as injuries. Jane Antoine, Nurse Unit Manager for the Pediatric Unit said, “The Teddy Bears are a tremendous gift for children. Often children need something to help them get their mind off of the concern of being sick or injured as well as being away from home.”

Dale Peet, president with the Sasktel Pioneers stated, “We were thrilled to partner with the Prince Albert Raider Hockey Club. We saw this as great opportunity. The Raiders have a tremendous following. By working together we could make a positive contribution to help children in the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Bruce Vance, director of marketing with the Prince Albert Raider Hockey Club thanked Raider fans for their support, “We couldn’t do this without the incredible support from our fans. In addition, our players are committed to giving back to the city of Prince Albert and the surrounding area. I am delighted to have a player presence here today.”

THANK YOU

For Your Support

Tim Horton’s “Cookie Days”

were a huge success

$6,126 was raised

That is up nearly 25% over last year!

 Funds raised will be used to upgrade two rooms

in the Victoria Regional Hospital’s

Children’s Ward (Pediatric Unit)

Tim Horton's “COOKIE DAYS”

Monday, September 20th

to

Sunday, September 26th

At all Three P.A. locations

(24 hours a DAY)

Proceeds to refurbish Two Rooms in the

 Children’s Ward  (Pediatrics Unit) at the

Victoria Regional Hospital

Plan your “daily cookie run” now!

The 13th Annual Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Golf Classic Fund Raiser exceeded its goal on Friday, August 27th. The event, held at the Cooke Municipal Golf Course, saw 200 golfers completing in the “Best Ball” golf format. Golfers, sponsors, pledges and volunteers support resulted in a total of $76,531 being raised. The funds will be used to purchase medical equipment needed in the Maternity Unit and the Children’s Ward at the Victoria Regional Hospital. The Maternity Unit at Victoria Regional Hospital is now one of the busiest in the province with 1,500+ babies delivered each year.

The new medical equipment which includes two Infant Warmers and seven Oxygen Blenders will go a long way to meeting the equipment pressures the hospital is facing. The Victoria Hospital Foundation advised the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region on Monday morning to go ahead with ordering the equipment as the funds are now in hand.

The Top Six Fund Raisers were:

Roy Underhill                $  1,160.00

Barney Hjertaas           $  1,995.00

Vi Akers                      $  2,055.00

Brenda Cripps              $  2,195.00

Dr. Louis Poulin            $  5,650.00

Rick Leaderhouse       $13,350.00

The Top Three Teams were:

3rd Place with a team score of 59

Brent Habetler

Tim Longworth

Fred Matheson

Eddie Elder

2nd Place with a team score of 58

Mark Engen

Jamie Engen

Joe Buchinski

Justin Basaraba

1st Place with a team score of 57 

Rick Leaderhouse

Ben Bandura

Brent Woods

Garth Styles

The Title Sponsors, River Park Funeral Home/Memorial Gardens and Conexus Credit Union indicate they and the organizing committee are already looking into ideas that will enhance next year’s event even further.

Thursday, August 12th prove to be a “Lucky Ducky” night for a whole bunch of Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Weekly Radio Bingo players listening to Today’s Country 900 CKBI Radio. Just minutes into the first game six players called “bingo” when the Loonie Ball caused their bingo. They will share the $5,000 Loonie Pot prize. The winners were: Diane Brumstad, Rural P.A. Del Cody, Rural P.A. Arlene Sand, P.A. Amy Busby, Melfort Mary Ann Radchuk, Rural P. A. and Irene Hamilton, P.A. Retailers who sold the wiining bingo cards were: Co-op Service Station, 16th Street, West, P.A. B & P Water, P.A. Harold’s Family Foods, P.A. Pharmasve, Melfort and Buddy’s Grocery, P.A.

The second Loonie Pot prize went in Game #2 when two “Luck Ducky” winners called in when the 2nd Loonie Ball caused their bingo. The winners were: Mary Ann Harmatiuk, Spruce Home and Joanne Lozier, Meath Park. They bought their wiining cards at: Logan’s Family Store in Christopher Lake  and Ghost Rails Restaurant in Meath Park.

Proceeds from the Victoria Hospital’s Weekly Radio Bingo help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Regional Hospital in Prince Albert.  For a complete list of winners, retailer locations and rules visit our web site at www.helpthevic.ca

Glen Gordon passed away April 26, 2009 at a very early age of 52 from heart complications. He had been a conservation officer, police officer and at the time of his passing, he was a deputy sheriff with the Provincial Court Security managing the Prince Albert Provincial Court and North Battleford.

Representatives from Court Security, the Prince Albert City Police and Saskatchewan Environmental Resource Management got together with Joan Gordon's approval to plan a Memorial for Glen. On June 25th, 2010 a golf tournament was held at the Cooke Municipal Golf Course and a steak supper followed at the Prince Albert Elk's Club. The committee along with Joan decided that any money raised after expenses would be donated to the Victoria Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Unit, in care of the Victoria Hospital Foundation. On August 26th 2010, a cheque for $1450.00 was presented to Shelia Long, Nurse Unit Manager – Ambulatory Care and Joan Gordon, LPN - Ambulatory Care by Al Fraser and Daren Fidler who were part of the organizing committee.

The family of the late Glen Gordon and the organizing committee wishes to thank all those who participated in this memorial and donation to the Ambulatory Care Unit."

For information about other recent donations and news visit our web site at www.helpthevic.ca

For six years the local Tim Horton’s franchise operator, Ed Zaparaniuk has helped stage the Teddy Bear Picnic in the Victoria Regional Hospital’s Children’s Ward. Annually the Pediatric Unit (Children’s Ward) cares for over 1,300 sick children. To date Tim Horton’s has donated over 2,000 teddy bears to the children.

Jane Antoine, Nurse Unit Manager for the Pediatric Unit says. “The gift of the teddy bears makes a tremendous difference to the children. It lifts their spirit.”   For many children this is the first time they have been away from home and family.  The teddy bears are soft and cuddly. It gives them something to focus on.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation helped put the program together with the local Tim Horton’s stores. Dalziel states, “It is so nice to see the children once they are discharged and leaving for home to go by our office holding their new best friend, their Tim Bear.”

August 6, 2010 (6th year)

"Kiddy Care” will be the theme and goal for the 13th Annual Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Memorial Golf Classic. The Victoria Hospital Foundation has announced that all funds raised will be used to help purchase 2 special Infant Warmers and 7 Oxygen Blenders. The cost for the equipment is $67,482.00.

Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation said, “Following a meeting with Prince Albert Parkland Health Region senior managers and the foundation’s board of directors it was pretty obvious that these items were Priority #1 for the hospital.” He pointed out that each year more than 1,500 babies are born at the Victoria Regional Hospital. “It is very important that these newborns have the best possible start at life, said Dalziel, as a Regional Hospital sometimes mother and/or baby are at risk and are referred to the Victoria Hospital, which means having this type of equipment is vital.”

Louise Lenz, Sponsorship and Event Coordinator with the foundations said, “The Golf Fun Fund Raiser is schedule to Tee Off on Friday, August 27th at Cooke Municipal Golf Course. We have two, Shot Gun – Tee Off times: 7:00 am and 1:00 pm. It is a pledge event with participating golfers raising funds through pledges and donations. It is a Best Ball – Texas Scramble so even duffers can participate.” Lenz added, “This year we have had tremendous support from sponsors and business donating all kinds of prizes and incentives. In fact, we have more than $100,000 in prizes and incentives up for grabs.”

The deadline to register a team or as an individual is July 30st. For more information contact the Victoria Hospital Foundation at 306 765 6105.

Members of the Royal Purple #344 in Paddockwood recently presented the Medicine Unit on level 6 at the Victoria Hospital with a new medical quality Ice Making Machine. The $5,000 donation was made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation which helped facilitate the equipment purchase. The money was raised through a combination of fund raising projects and activities by the Royal Purple members according to Joan Bowers, Honoured Royal Lady.

Debbie Winge, Nurse Unit Manager Medicine/Level 6 said, “The new ice making machine has already made a tremendous difference and improvement to patient care and comfort. Now we can readily prepare ice packs to ease pain and swelling as well as prepare chilled water for our patients.”

To learn more about other recent donations visit our new revamped web site at www.helpthevic.ca and click on News Releases.

Throughout his life Ervin Bauer cast a long shadow over the community of Prince Albert. A successful business leader and community supporter he recognized the importance and necessity of having a strong and viable local hospital. Recently when one of Ervin’s children required Emergency Room treatment to overcome a health crisis the family was very impressed with the quality of care and dedication of the E.R. staff.  The family wanted to show their appreciation and continued support for the Victoria Hospital.  A discussion with E.R. Unit staff identified a piece of equipment that was needed.  The family decided to make a Memorial Tribute Gift, in memory of Ervin, to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. Their gift helped to facilitate the purchase of a hospital grade Ice Machine to aid and assist with patient care and comfort in the E.R.

To learn more about other gifts and support visit our web site and click on News Releases  www.helpthevic.ca

The cost of refurbishing of a special room in the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria Hospital will be funded by the Prince Albert Correctional Officers Riders Club.  The group of correctional officers annually organizes a bike ride to raise money for various charitable organizations in and around Prince Albert.

In June of 2009, the Prince Albert Correctional Officers Riders organized a two day bicycle ride from Shellbrook to Choiceland to Prince Albert via Melfort.  The $11,600 raised will now be used to refurbish the special room in the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria Hospital.  Tannice Thompson, Nurse Unit Manager of the Victoria Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit said, “This is an extremely generous gift that will be of tremendous help for both our patients and their families.”  Work on the renovations is expected to begin shortly.

“This is not the first time the Prince Albert Correctional Officers Riders have supported the Victoria Hospital”  Rob Dalziel, executive director with the Victoria Hospital Foundation, “Correctional Officers have been supporters of numerous hospital campaigns and fund raisers. They represent a significant and important part of our community.” 

Yvonne told us she decided to buy her winning cards, at the South Hill Mall Kiosk, when she learned there was a $5,000 Loonie Pot to be won. Once Yvonne realized she was a winner she was in shock. Yvonne said she plans to use some of the money to pay some bills. Kim Fisher of Prince Albert also was a Loonie Pot winner. Kim bought her winner bingo cards at the Co-op Service Station on 16th Street West in P.A. Kim says she will use some of the money to assist her daughter in university.

Play Weekly Radio Bingo every Thursday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Country 900 CKBI Radio. Get your $5.00 CKBI Weekly Radio Bingo cards early. Many of our retailers sell out.

For a list of retailers, rules and recent winners visit our web site:

www.helpthevic.ca

Proceeds go to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Hospital

Don is the latest winner of the a $5000 Loonie Pot.  Don bought his winning card at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the Co-op Gas Bar on his way home from work.  He plans to use some of his winnings for home renovations.  In addition to winning the Loonie Pot, Don also was the only game #1 winner.  He plans to donate the $100 prize back to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

As part of its commitment to give back to the community the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, “Christmas Heritage Ornament Program” has raised more than $10,000 to date. The funds are used to help purchase medical equipment for the Victoria Hospital. The program began 10 years ago and the Christmas Heritage Ornaments are sold through a network of retail locations in the city. On June 8th the Chamber presented the Victoria Hospital Foundation with a cheque for $2,700. It was the latest installment from funds raised.

Soon the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce will be announcing the latest design for 2010. The ornaments will go on sale shortly after the design announcement is made. Hint: it is something that is celebrating its 100th year

this year. The Christmas Heritage Ornaments will also be sold through the Victoria

Hospital Foundation office.

Bergen Price, CEO with the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce said, “We are pleased to be a part of this exciting and worthwhile program. The chamber appreciates the opportunity to recognize and celebrate some of Prince Albert’s unique and important heritage buildings. We also recognize that health care is something that is important to all of us.”

Victoria Hospital Foundation, executive director, Rob Dalziel said, “The ornaments have been a hit since they were introduced a decade ago. We know of many people who have purchased every one. We are also aware of individuals and businesses that purchase larger numbers of them for gifts. Some ornaments are ordered by people currently living in other locations in Canada and the U.S. who have a tie to Prince Albert. We think it is a great program.”

Some Christmas Heritage Ornaments from previous years are still available. Contact the Chamber for details at 764-6222

“It was the most successful event of this type we have staged to date”’ said Jerry Jarvis, the corrections worker who co-ordinates the annual ride. Cyclists rode 100 kilometers on Friday, June 18th to raise funds for the Victoria Hospital Foundation. From the money raise $10,000 is earmarked to support the emergency department at the Victoria Hospital. The Victoria Hospital Foundation will allocate the balance to where it is needed most.

“It’s a good opportunity to fundraise, especially for somewhere that is local, because more people want to see more things done in their community,” said Lindsey Busser, a corrections worker and first time participant with the Saskatchewan Correctional Charity Riders.

Jerry Jarvis agrees, “At the end of the journey you see what happens with the money, it stays in the community.”   

The funds were raised through rider pledges and a barbeque lunch. The event was the largest held to date with 25 cyclists participating. Many have already indicated they plan to return again next year.

The Victoria Regional Hospital Foundation has announced a new Title Sponsor for its annual Dr. O. K. Hjertaas (jer-tass) Golf Classic fundraiser. Conexus Credit Union will join with River Park Funeral Home / Memorial Gardens as a “Title Sponsor” for the event. River Park Funeral Home / Memorial Gardens is a pioneer title sponsor since the event was launched 13 years ago. Both organizations will contribute volunteer leadership, organizing support as well as financial support needed to stage the highly successful fundraiser for the Victoria Regional Hospital.

Brad Fennig, Vice President Retail Services with Conexus said, “We are delighted with the opportunity to play an important role in giving back to the community and the hospital which serves the region where we do business and our members live. Health care remains a top priority for everyone and the Victoria Regional Hospital is there for all of us.”

Phil Fredette, Manager River Park Funeral Home stated, “From the beginning, we saw the annual Dr. O.K. Hjertaas golf fund raiser as a terrific way to help our hospital and the people of Prince Albert and area as well as people from across central and northern Saskatchewan who need and use the Victoria Hospital.”

The 13th annual Dr O K Hjertaas Golf Classic will take place at Cooke Municipal Golf Course on Friday, August 27th. Details about the event are available on the Victoria Hospital Foundation web site; www.helpthevic.ca or by contacting the foundation office at 765 6105.

Choiceland Royal Purple Lodge #255 and Community Rallies to Support Dialysis Units in Prince Albert and Tisdale

PHOTO: Choiceland Royal Purple Lodge #255, District #3 members present $10,000 for Dialysis Unit.

(Left to right)  Bev Johnson, District Governor #3, , Shawn Phaneuf, Nurse Unit Manager - Dialysis, Victoria Hospital,

Edna Mollison, Past District #3 Deputy and Colleen McDonald, Past District Deputy #3.

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