BOYLE – The Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary had its bank account replenished last week after a large contribution from Al-Pac’s Community Enhancement Program showed up unexpectedly at the group’s last meeting.
It was a complete surprise to all but one member of the group, who helped coordinate with the company, as representatives from Al-Pac walked through the door Oct. 20 with a novelty cheque worth $25,000.
“We found out about it when they came and made the presentation for us,” said auxiliary president Judy Flax. “It was a lovely surprise.”
Every year, twice a year in the spring and in the fall, Al-Pac donates $25,000 to a non-profit organization within a 100 km radius of the mill site that can be used for small-scale upgrades, expansion and development projects that will enhance the quality of life for community members.
“Many local non-profit groups have been working even harder over this past year. With health and safety at the forefront of people's minds, we felt that health should be our focus area to assist our local residents' well-being,” said Gordon Giles, Al-Pac’s lead on business development.
“The Boyle Health Care Auxilliary is a passionate group that volunteers their time to fundraise for projects that enhance patient care and comfort. Their diligent efforts towards patients will benefit from a helping hand during these challenging times. We are honoured to donate to such a worthy cause.”
The funds couldn’t have come at a better time either, said Flax, as fundraising during a pandemic has proven to be a challenge and the group was just able to pay off its latest project at the Boyle medical facility, a new patio worth more than $180,000.
“That pretty much used up all our funds, and so it was just marvellous to have the money given to us by Al-Pac,” she said.
The auxiliary is now hoping to purchase two bedside patient monitors, as part of its annual Tree of Hope campaign. These monitors cost more than $22,000 each.
“We are assured of one now, and we’ll see how much we raise in our campaign,” said Flax.
The auxiliary has been fundraising for the healthcare centre for nearly 20 years now, with a dedicated core of volunteers, including three that have been with the group for all that time. Flax estimates they’ve brought in $500,000 over the years that has gone towards the betterment of patients and staff at the facility.
Those funds have gone towards upgrades for the palliative care suite, furniture, beds, TVs, art and various medical equipment and supplies.
Giles said Al-Pac is proud to support such worthy causes, and since the inception of the Community Enhancement Program in 2011, groups like the Athabasca and Grassland fire departments, the Kikino Community Activities Society, Plamondon & Wandering River Community Resource Society, Aurora Middle School in Lac La Biche, Prosvita Community Association, and the Boyle & District Senior Association have all been thankful recipients.
“The main focus of the CEP is to help non-profits achieve their fundraising goals for projects that benefit the community. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to help fund many diverse projects,” he said.
