Lisa Sigurdson and Mia Loeppky wanted to thank staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre for being brave and courageous during the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving a grant from #RisingYouth they decided to purchase small food items and accessories like gift certificates, nail files, body lotion and hand sanitizers and assemble 150 treat bags for staff at the hospital. In addition to the grant monies, contributions to these amazing bags were also made by local organizations like Dairy Queen Selkirk, Canalta Selkirk, Centennial School, and Ecole Selkirk Jr. High School. Each treat bag was created to express appreciation and remind staff that so many people are sending positive thoughts their way.
Lisa Sigurdson says the project was inspired by wanting to show the staff how much their community appreciates and cares about them.
“I wanted to do something for the people that take care of others every day, and who are seeing the worst of COVID up close. I know how stressed and worried I have been, so I can’t even imagine how they must feel. I believe we need to show each other kindness right now, whether it’s just letting someone know you are there for them, or a care package,” says Lisa.
Pamela McCallum, executive director of the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation says receiving handmade, heartfelt donations like this is the essence of what we stand for – we are a community and we take care of each other.
“When you support the Foundation, you are part of something very special; a community dedicated to making our region a more beautiful place to live and work. The generosity we receive from our communities is incredible, we are beyond thankful.”
To find out more about #RisingYouth community service grants please visit www.risingyouth.ca.
For more information on IEHF and how it benefits the region’s patients and residents or to make a donation, please visit www.iehf.ca or contact Pamela McCallum directly at [email protected].
Photo L-R: Courtney Vich- LPN, Roberta Baker- CTM Medicine, Michael Conway – RN, and Shelby Tetrault- LPN.
