The High River and District Health Care Foundation is launching a COVID-19 Community Response Fund Raising Campaign.

Fund Development Officer with the Foundation, Cathy Couey, says the initiative will be directed to a number of staff-focused goals.

"We're looking at some staff supports such as staff morale and appreciation. We may be potentially be looking at a time where we have to feed and house our staff on site. You know, whatever family supports, we can provide."

In a statement from the Foundation, Executive Director Michael Brown says front line workers need our support.

“What we are all seeing every day in the news is that this unprecedented global crisis hinges on the talented, professional and dedicated people working in our health care systems. We need to support every one of them in any way we can. That means supporting them right across the country, here in Alberta and, especially, the people who are working for our health right here in our local health care facilities.”

The Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response initiative will be directed to a number of staff-focused initiatives such as:

-Care and comfort while at work
-Staff morale and appreciation
-Feeding and housing staff on site
-Family supports such as babysitting services
-Other needs as they arise

“If we take care of our health care team, they can take care of our community.” says Jennifer Morton, High River Hospital Site and Continuing Care Manager

Couey says they're also going to be giving some cash to local food banks to help keep them going during the pandemic.

"The Foundation Board has decided to support the High River Food Bank with a donation of $3,750 and the Nanton Food Bank with $1,250. And then going forward any money raised through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund Raising Campaign, we will provide 20 per cent from that campaign to continue to fund those food banks as we go forward in this."

Couey says all donations can be made online at www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca/donate-now/

 

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