Dec 22, 2017
The Almonte Shoppers Drug Mart contributed over $5,000 in 2017 in support of the “Put Yourself in the Picture” campaign. Shoppers was the title sponsor of the annual Mississippi Mills River Run and Walk which took place in September.
Rina Houri, the owner/pharmacist and her wonderful staff also encouraged donations in November as part of their annual Women’s Health campaign with proceeds benefiting the Diagnostic Imaging campaign, specifically helping to purchase the two new Ultrasound machines.
Dec 15, 2017
Close to $120,000! That’s how much the Civitan Club of Almonte has contributed to the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation since the Foundation began keeping computerized records in 2003.
So, it’s no surprise that Civitan would have chosen to “put themselves in the picture” this past year in support of the AGH’s diagnostic imaging campaign. The club’s 2017 support totalled close to $10,000. This came by way of sponsorships, participation in events, In Memorial donations, and, of course the wonderful tribute evening they coordinated for long-time member Eric Pottle, with proceeds benefitting the DI campaign.
According to Civitan President Marsha Guthrie, “As a service organization, Civitan, seeks to meet as many needs as possible. Almonte General Hospital has proven itself to provide the quality care so necessary to all us and the new diagnostic imaging equipment will only make it better!
Over the years, the Almonte Civitan club has provided generous support to the Hospital and Manor, as have many of their members. The club made a major commitment to the Quality Care for Life campaign in 2004, making the club one of the campaign’s earliest supporters. They’ve also funded various pieces of equipment over the years like a special electric bed in 2007.
“I’ve worked in the charitable sector for over 20 years and this Almonte club is a community treasure,” said Foundation Managing Director, Al Roberts. “Having been a guest at several of their meetings, I’ve seen firsthand how their comradery, enthusiasm and sense of fun are always on display. Our patients and residents are really fortunate to benefit from their ongoing support.”
Service clubs, church groups, community organizations and neighbourhood s are invited to “put themselves in the picture” in support of new diagnostic imaging equipment at our Hospital.
If you want to join the Almonte Civitan and “put yourself in the picture”, please contact Al Roberts, Managing Director, AGH-FVM Foundation, at 613-256-2500 or aroberts@agh-fvm.com
Dec 11, 2017
Anne Mason distinctly remembers walking up Mill Street and deciding yes, this is a town that I could live in. It had a certain feel that she liked. That was 21 years ago, and she’s never regretted her decision once.
Anne loves living in Almonte because of all the wonderful things the community has to offer including: arts, history, friendly, engaged neighbours and a wonderful hospital. “Having the Hospital here provides me with a level of comfort,” said Anne. “Of all the institutions in town, I think it’s the most important.”
This is somewhat surprising considering she hasn’t had to use the Hospital too often. While visiting the new Ultrasound suite prior to making her donation this week, Anne did recall a visit many years ago that she shared. Anne and Ultrasound technologist Angie Crites laughed about patients having to sit waiting for the specialist to arrive from Ottawa, literally bursting to go to the bathroom but the thinking back then was that having a full bladder meant the images would be of a better quality. “I had to pee so badly, but they wouldn’t even let me go for a little relief; I just sat there with my legs crossed hoping I was next up for my examination.” And when Anne fell out of a tree that she was pruning, the staff in Emergency moved very quickly to treat her before giving the lecture about not climbing trees!
Having the Hospital right here close to home is important. Anne’s doctor, Ursula McGarry, is part of the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team so most of her health care needs can be addressed in the community. She thinks that makes a big difference. “Everything is flexible and personal, probably because they are caring for their friends and neighbours,” thinks Anne.
She remembers one of her friends telling her that when there was a family health emergency recently, living midway between Almonte and Ottawa she didn’t immediately call 911 or rush into Ottawa. Instead, her only thought was let’s get to the Almonte Hospital, they’ll know what to do!
Although a donor for some years, Anne has now “put herself in the picture” with a five-year pledge to the diagnostic imaging campaign. Pledges are particularly important because it helps the Foundation plan ahead for the purchase of the CT scan, which still needs to be approved by the Ministry of Health & Long-term Care.
Donors can “put themselves in the picture” by making a one-time gift, becoming a monthly donor or committing to a multi-year pledge. All donations are tax deductible, which is often an important benefit at this time of year.
If you want to join Anne and “put yourself in the picture”, please contact Al Roberts, Managing Director, AGH-FVM Foundation, at 613-256-2500 or aroberts@agh-fvm.com
