Leader raises over $48K for healthcare

By Joan Janzen

A very successful fundraising event was held at the Leader Community Hall on Saturday evening, November 18th. A total of $48,500.00 was raised from proceeds of a live and silent auction, thanks to the efforts of the Leader and District Trust Advisory Committee (TAC).

“This committee is setting up their own charitable foundation and will continue to raise money to support healthcare in our communities and to keep the Leader and District Integrated Facility innovative and up-to-date,” explained Pam Busby, who is a member of the committee.

Six members of the committee organized the supper and auction, and six additional members from the community helped with set up for the evening. The Grade 11 class, under the direction of Donna Dillman, also helped with the set up. During the evening, the Leader Curling Club managed the bar and Somerville Farms Ltd. donated their auctioneer talents.

“The community and local businesses were very generous and contributed to our overwhelming success,” Pam noted. There were 68 auction items, 12 live auction items, along with nine bucket draws and numerous cash donations.

Approximately 160 people enjoyed the supper catered by Jenna Mertin. The supper was paid for by IG Wealth Management (Jackie Martin and Eddie Gergely).

The TAC includes Leader, Burstall, Mendham, Eatonia, Fox Valley, Prelate and Richmond. It also includes the Rural Municipalities of Happyland, Clinworth, Chesterfield, Deer Forks, Enterprise and Fox Valley. All of the above are invited to the meetings of the Trust Advisory Committee and have a say in the direction and mandates of the organization.

In 2021-2022 the TAC purchased the garage at the hospital, a performance Bariatric Plus Hi-Lo Bed and a hematology analyzer. In 2023 the committee purchased a Di Retrofit Imaging System: Fox X-Ray, two blood pressure machines and stands, a bariatric therapy table, bladder scanner, a hospital grade recliner, five chairs and a portable ultrasound machine.