By honouring its veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001 is helping change the future of health care in southern Saskatchewan.
In 2017, the organization provided a generous gift of $100,000 to Hospitals of Regina Foundation as part of its Poppy Campaign. The annual campaign generates funds from the sale of poppiesand wreaths leading up to, and including, Remembrance Day services in the community.
The funds will support the Veterans Unit at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and the Eye Centre at the Pasqua Hospital, and will be invested in much-needed equipment and technology for both areas of care.
I couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished over the years,” says Ken Eskdale, president and comrade. “Our partnership with the Foundation speaks to the pride of our veterans and their desire to give back. Our commitment to this country begins with serving the people and causes that drive our communities.
Comrade Ian Brown, chair of the Poppy Campaign, agrees that the success of the campaign has been impressive.
“The Poppy Campaign gets better and better every year,” says Ian. “It is heartwarming to see how the people of southern Saskatchewan have embraced such an important cause. It means a great deal to us to be able to give back to organizations like Hospitals of Regina Foundation.”
The Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001 is a long-standing supporter of the Foundation. Over the past 29 years, the organization has donated more than $444,000 to support health care services in our hospitals, including electric beds, patient lifts, and eye diagnostic and treatment equipment.
Lisa Chamberlin, director of care, extended care and veterans programs at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, says the impact of the Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001 has beentremendous.
“The veterans in our care are very special to us and have become an important part of our work family. We are able to provide them with the health care services they deserve thanks to the support of the Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001 and Hospitals of Regina Foundation,” says Lisa. “The generosity of both organizations has allowed us to invest in much-needed equipment that supports the safety and comfort of our patients. On behalf of our staff and residents, thank you for improving their lives.”
“The continued support that we receive from the Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001 and its Poppy Campaign is greatly appreciated,” says Dino Sophocleous, president and CEO, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “Thank you for making lives better and for doing your part to improve the services and care available to our veterans and the people of southern Saskatchewan. We are truly fortunate to count you among our friends.”
This story was featured in our Fall 2017 newsletter.
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