Guild’s long-standing commitment to local health care continues with new donations
The E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital Guild raised $1,527.86 at its annual May Flowers Tea, held May 24 in support of emergency room renovations at the Eriksdale hospital.
The fundraiser featured dainties prepared by volunteers, a bake sale, plant sale, silent auction, and door prizes for a decorated cake and potted plants. Junior guild member Icelynn was among those volunteering at the event, helping with plant sales.
Guild chair Donna Pool said the event is just one example of how the community continues to rally around the hospital and its services.
“We like to showcase the guild and its many efforts. The generosity allows us to support health care-related projects,” said Pool.
In addition to the tea fundraiser, longtime supporter Doreen Lamoureux donated $10,000 to the guild to be used toward local health care programming.
The E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital Guild, named after donor Elizabeth M. Crowe, has been raising funds for health care in the Interlake since 1911. Originally founded as the Union Ladies Aid to help families who couldn’t travel to Winnipeg for care, the group has evolved into a vital community fundraiser.
“The community was blessed when a large donation of money was left in trust [from E.M. Crowe] to the Ladies Society of Westminster Church in Winnipeg,” Pool said. “It was to go towards building a hospital in the Interlake area and Eriksdale was the chosen site.”
The hospital opened its doors on May 12, 1926, and has undergone several upgrades since then.
“The guild continues to raise funds to purchase much-needed equipment to help with the daily operations of the hospital,” Pool added.
Past donations have included $8,000 toward a new physiotherapy department, $5,000 for the Eriksdale Handi-Van garage, $3,815 for an imaging chair for the x-ray department, and thousands more for equipment like ergonomic chairs, tympanic thermometers, a handheld Doppler, and telehealth technology. The guild also contributes to broader community causes, donating $500 to STARS and $500 to the local Christmas Hamper fund.
“We continue to receive many generous donations made by community and non-community members,” said Pool. “We are also very grateful to families who choose this organization to honour their loved ones that have passed.”
The guild is now working on a community calendar featuring local event dates. Those interested in being included or purchasing a calendar are asked to email eriksdalehospitalguild@gmail.com before Aug. 4.
The next fundraiser — the popular E.M. Crowe Guild Christmas Cookie Caper — will be held Nov. 22. More than 1,000 cookies will be available for purchase, with details to be posted on the guild’s Facebook page.
“Going forward we thank everyone for their continued support of our organization and our hope is to continue to serve the community,” Pool said.
