Aug 31, 2017
According to many fundraising journals and how-to articles, the number one reason that people most often cite for not supporting a charity is “no one asked me.”
Having worked in the charitable sector for many years now, I was reminded of this recently when I sat down with Jim Hugessen and his wife Louise Stevenson to thank them for the generous gift they made to the diagnostic imaging campaign, shortly after the campaign launch in May.
When I asked Jim why they decide to put themselves “in the picture” and support the campaign? I fully expected an answer that would touch on his late wife’s (Mary) connection to Almonte and her tireless efforts to raise money for the Hospital and Manor. Instead, Jim responded, “because you asked me… .” Both he and Louise did go on to talk about how the Hospital and Manor’s excellent patient and resident care make it an institution that they feel warrants the community’s ongoing support.
Having high-quality health care close to home is also something they feel is vitally important, particularly psychologically for patients and their family members. Both felt that travelling to (the big city) and finding parking etc. just adds another layer to what is already a stressful situation.
In the coming weeks and months, volunteers and staff working on behalf of the AGH-FVM Foundation will be fanning out, meeting with community members, and telling them about the $4 million campaign currently underway to replace all of the diagnostic imaging equipment at the Hospital. Although the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funds Hospital operations, it does not contribute funds to replace or purchase new equipment. The Hospital must count on the generousity of community members, service clubs, local businesses, and granting agencies. This means that eventually, we are going to ask you to “put yourself in the picture” and support your local hospital. Regardless of the size of the gift you make, like Louise and Jim’s, your support will have an immediate impact on local health care close to home.
Aug 31, 2017
Customers and staff at Patrice’s Independent gave a big boost to the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation’s diagnostic imaging campaign during the week of July 13-26. A whopping $4,490 was donated as customers made their way through the checkouts. These funds will go a long way in helping to pay for the new digital ultrasounds and x-ray machines now in use at the Hospital which cost $1.8 million.
“We have participated in the Give A Little, Help A Lot campaign for the past 10 years,” said store owner and perpetual community booster, Guido Patrice. “This store initiative is geared to raise funds for a local charity of choice. Tanya and I designated this year’s donations to go towards the Diagnostic Equipment campaign at AGH.”
Guido estimates that about 12,000 customers would have visited the store during that week and approximately 40 front-end staff would have been working at some time during that week too.
“Almonte and the surrounding area has always been such a caring and generous community that has helped to raise funds for many local groups,” said Guido. “I hear from the various groups when fundraising in our store how great our customers are, and we have to agree!”
Thanks to Guido, Tanya and all their customers and staff for ‘putting themselves in the picture’ in support of new diagnostic equipment at AGH. By giving a little, patients at the Hospital are getting a lot.
To find out more about ‘putting yourself in the picture’, please visit www.almontegeneralhospitalfoundation.com
Aug 25, 2017
On Saturday, Sept. 30, Pam Murphy will officially retire from her position as Director of Care (DOC) at Fairview Manor (FVM). This will mark the end of a work career that has spanned more than 40 years, including 12 years overseeing resident care at FVM.
Throughout Pam’s time at FVM, her work philosophy has focused on the delicate balancing act between caring for the residents, which she readily admits is the highest priority, and caring for her staff, which she sees as equally important. It is no surprise that Pam says that well-trained, engaged, caring staff is the key to the high-quality resident care for which FVM is known.
According to her successor, Karen Buness, “Pam is a wonderful nurse and a fantastic leader. Her knowledge, caring approach and dedication to the residents and staff are unparalleled. She leaves big shoes to fill.”
Pam has seen things change a lot in long-term care over the course of her career. She attributes this to modern medicine’s ability to better treat many chronic diseases. This positive step forward means that people are living longer; therefore the need for long-term care is constantly growing.
When she first became DOC at Fairview in 2005, about 80% of the residents were capable of getting to the dining rooms mostly under their own steam, or with a little help of another resident. Although sometimes precarious to watch, Pam said, “You had to admire their spirit.” Now, she believes that only about 20% of the residents would be able to do that without help from a staff member. On average, residents are living longer and require a greater amount of support in almost all areas of daily living.
When asked what she is most proud of with respect to her time at the Manor, the answer again reflects Pam’s philosophy. “I’m most proud of my nursing team and the Manor’s team spirit,” she says. “These things have a direct impact on the care provided.”
“Pam will be sorely missed,” said Hospital President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider. “Her work has touched hundreds of lives over theyears and so it makes sense that we celebrate her well-deserved retirement in a way that recognizes and continues her legacy of caring for both the residents and the staff of Fairview Manor.”
Mary is pleased to announce that the AGH-FVM Foundation will be establishing a special Pam Murphy Fairview Manor Nursing Education Fund in support of education and training. For all the many people who want to wish Pam well on her retirement, donations can be made to the Foundation designated for this new, special fund. Each year, the Fund will help nurses at FVM take courses or attend a conference. Donations can be dropped off at the Foundation Office just inside the Hospital’s main door, made over the phone at 613-256-2500, ext. 2296 or made online here.
Please join us in wishing Pam a long and happy retirement.
