91原创 can breathe easy thanks to a generous donation made by local Lions Clubs .
Three Lions Clubs (Fort 91原创, 91原创 and Aldergrove) were all on site at the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Thursday afternoon to donate $56,000 to the respiratory therapy department to purchase a new ventilator.
This is the largest donation the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation has received from the Lions Club.
The hospital has been working to replace its inventory of five ventilators that have all passed their life expectancy, said Lisa Rosales, a major gifts officer with 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really fantastic to have the community support the hospital,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he equipment in the hospital is aging, it鈥檚 outdated and we need to bridge the gap between government support and the needs of the hospital.
鈥淪o having community groups like the Lions Club is really essential for us to be able to help patients.鈥�
READ MORE: New ER taking shape at 91原创 Memorial
The recommended life of a ventilator is about 10 years, but the equipment at the 91原创 hospital is now pushing 12 years, explained Gaurav Kumar, a respiratory practice lead at the hospital.
鈥淭hey still function, but the breakdown is more, the repair is more, so we end up spending more money on them鈥� so thank you for giving us one,鈥� he said.
A ventilator is a life-saving machine, Kumar explained. The machine helps a patient breathe.
The local clubs contributed $28,000 and received a matching grant from the Lions Club International Foundation. With these funds the hospital is now set to replace a third ventilator.
READ MORE: The Lions received their charter in 91原创 Prairie on June 12, 1944
The 91原创 Lions Club have been serving the community since 1944, according to its website.
Lions Clubs were organized to give back and serve the community, said Patty Allan-White, Lions district governor.
鈥淲e are a family of Lions and it鈥檚 fun to watch them all come together and work together,鈥� she added.
The local clubs raise money primarily through community hall rentals, but they also host other fundraising events to benefit 91原创.
An event that has grown in popularity since its inception two years ago is the monthly $6 spaghetti dinner hosted on the last Friday of each month at the Fort 91原创 Hall. The fundraiser draws up to 190 people.
Clubs also organize fundraisers like a Burger and Brew and Christmas Kettle Drive.
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .
