The Elkford Health Care Centre has touched many lives in the Elk Valley.
This was no more evident than when nearly every one of the 160 people gathered at Teck Hall for the Spring Fling on Saturday got to their feet to show they had benefited from the rural health service, either directly or indirectly.
Among them was Elkford resident Crystal Tennant.
“My son just had some really serious health things happen and the Elkford medical centre was so helpful, and kind,” she told The Free Press earlier that evening.
“They were just amazing, they took such great care of him. Anything to support them.”
The East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) hosted the dinner and dance as a fundraiser for the Elkford Health Care Centre, which has over $300,000 in medical equipment needs.
“Thank you for recognizing a need and working so hard to address it,” said Elkford Councillor Mandy McGregor.
The turnout far exceeded EKFH Executive Director Brenna Baker’s expectations and she declared the Spring Fling the foundation’s best event yet in terms of community support.
“The reception we’ve received here is unbelievable,” she said, thanking the crowd for their support.
Interior Health Community Health Service Administrator for the East Kootenay, Terri Domin, highlighted the importance of rural health when she told the story of her son and the care he received after suffering a seizure.
EKFH Board Director Glen Purdy emphasized that all funds raised that evening would stay in Elkford.
He said in the past two years, the foundation has purchased $40,000 in equipment for the Elkford Health Care Centre and “that’s the start”.
“Tonight is a big push up that hill to get where Elkford needs to be for healthcare,” said Purdy.
The Spring Fling also featured a silent auction and live music. Guests gave generously and on Tuesday, the fundraising total had reached over $13,000 with donations still being tallied.
Donate online at Ekfh.ca/donate.
