Elkford residents will dance the night away in support of their local health care centre at a first-time fundraiser this weekend.
On Saturday, April 27, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) will host the Spring Fling at Teck Hall in Elkford.
The event will feature a dinner and dance, with live music as well as a silent auction. All money raised will go to the Elkford Health Care Centre, which has over $300,000 in medical equipment needs.
“It’s the first event we’ve done up there and it’s going to be a great time, but, most importantly, we’re going to be raising funds and hopefully we’re going to be able to purchase this equipment a lot sooner than if the health care centre waits for funding from the government,” said EKFH Executive Director Brenna Baker.
A new x-ray machine is among the big ticket items needed at the health care centre and is expected to cost just over $200,000.
“They have one but it’s beyond its life now, so it needs to be replaced,” said Baker.
Other priority items include ECG and chemistry analyzers, and a GlideScope video laryngoscope, which Baker said can save a life.
“This is an important piece of equipment that helps medical staff intubate a patient,” she said. “They currently do not have one in their emergency department.”
EKFH relies on donations and gifts to provide funding for vital medical equipment, patient comforts, and other essential health care items to facilities across the East Kootenay.
Baker said the Spring Fling will be the first of many fundraisers the organization holds this year.
“This one we really wanted to get the community involved just so they can learn a little bit more about the foundation and what we do, and how we can help, but also, most importantly, learn the needs of the Elkford Health Care Centre, which is the heartbeat of that area there,” she said.
“They’re a little bit remote so to have that emergency room there is super important and we want to support them.”
The Spring Fling kicks off with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and live music from the Mile High Club from 6:30 p.m.
Described as the East Kootenay’s premier high energy party band, the four-piece band plays everything from Top 40 hits to ’80s classics.
Baker encouraged people to buy tickets early to assist with catering, with up to 200 people expected.
Tickets cost $40 and are available at Elkford Community Conference Centre, Elkford Health Care Centre and by contacting EKFH at 1-877-489-6481.