In just over a month, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health will launch its eighth annual Starlite Campaign. As in years past some donations are already arriving at the foundation.
The latest gift that will light a large star atop the regional hospital roof-line is going to benefit the emergency department at the Sparwood Health Center. The $5,000 gift comes from the Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society that manages its secondhand store located in Sparwood.
Manager Katrin Taylor shares that since 2014 the “Shop” as it is known has donated over $120,000 to various causes including elementary schools, senior’s homes, scholarships, clubs, food banks and families. This latest donation will now impact community healthcare with the funds being dedicated to purchase a non invasive ventilator for the emergency department.
This BiPAP machine will be used in the Sparwood Emergency Department for critically ill or injured patients that have difficulty maintaining their own airway. The BiPAP machine complements the patient’s own respiratory cycle, optimising the lungs’ efficiency and reducing the work of breathing in respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure. Essentially the machine will breath for the patient at the correct rate, volume and pressure when the patient is suffering from severe acute respiratory distress related to conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and trauma.
“EKFH is very pleased to have been selected to steward the Elk Valley Thrift Shop’s gift. This star that the gift will ignite takes on special significance as it recognizes the beauty of this gift but also identifies that gift giving through EKFH can be done to support hospital and healthcare facilities in your community,” said Donna Grainger, EKFH Executive Director.
This year’s Starlite Campaign remains focused on raising funds for regional and community health programs.