Community members helped a local non-profit organization reach for the stars at its much-anticipated annual gala fundraiser.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, supporters gathered at the Stonewall legion for “Reach for the Stars,” the semi-formal dinner and dance fundraiser for South West District Palliative Care.
Numbers are still being crunched for the fundraising totals, but it’s clear to see the online 50/50 draw was a huge success. The total of the pot rang in at $5,850, with half ($2,925) going to lucky winner Anne Kroeker of Teulon. South West District Palliative Care receives the other half.
The progressive auction raised $4,000, while the live auction led by Ralph Eichler brought in another $1,900. A silent auction raised more funds, but the numbers are still being tallied.
The fun-filled evening also featured a delicious dinner and dessert prepared and served by volunteers.
Board chair Sandra Smith served as master of ceremonies, introducing community leaders.
Newly minted Lakeside MLA Trevor King encouraged attendees to contribute to the cause.
“We all have been touched one way or another by someone who has had some type of an illness. If you haven’t experienced that, I hate to tell you, one day you will,” he said. “Thank you all for being here to support such a great cause.”
Municipal leaders also shared greetings, including Rockwood Reeve Wes Taplin, Stonewall Deputy Mayor Peter Bullivant, Rosser Deputy Reeve Lee Garfinkel, Woodlands Reeve Doug Oliver and Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell.
Mona Buors, minister of Métis Child and Family Services from the National Red River Métis government, also addressed the crowd, sharing an emotional account of losing her brother-in-law earlier this month.
“Palliative care hits everybody,” she said. “We don’t know when, but we also know that it happens to old people, middle-aged people and, the saddest part, it has to hit children sometimes too.”
Representing South West District Palliative Care, dynamic trio Doris Hunter, Betty Taylor and Jen Beirnes provided an update on the organization’s activities.
Last year, they sent out a survey to see if people in the catchment area would benefit from Nav-CARE, a free service that stands for “Navigation, Connecting, Advocating, Resourcing, Engaging.” The South West District Palliative Care board sponsors and supports the Nav-CARE program.
The response was an overwhelming “yes,” with many respondents indicating they would also be interested in volunteering for the program.
The program covers the areas of Rockwood, Woodlands, Rosser, St. Laurent, Armstrong, Stonewall and Teulon to offer support to anyone who is facing loneliness, has chronic conditions or is experiencing declining health. These individuals receive consistent visits from a dedicated volunteer, as well as assistance in finding recourses for individual needs.
“The South West District Palliative Care board recognized the need for more support in our area and launched the Nav-CARE program. We applied for the Nav-CARE grant and was informed in March that 14 applications were received across Canada and that we were one of five applicants who were successful in receiving the Nav-CARE grant for $60,000. We are the first Nav-CARE program in Manitoba,” Hunter said.
“This grant would be given over two years in quarterly increments to be used to pay for the salary of a volunteer co-ordinator. However, to receive this money, there was certain criteria to be met. That criteria includes having two satellite sites, the hub being South West District Palliative Care’s catchment area. Second, hiring a volunteer co-ordinator. Third, recruiting volunteers. Fourth, having client rBferrals.”
To meet the criteria, they met with and provided Nav-CARE information to Teulon Seniors Resource, St. Laurent Seniors Resource and Stonewall Lions Manor.
“Following these presentations, we decided the two satellites would be St. Laurent and Lions Manor,” Taylor added.
“In March, we advertised and were successful in hiring a volunteer co-ordinator. The volunteer co-ordinator has a responsibility of looking after volunteers and clients — and going out there and trying to get more.”
Gwen Sharp, Nav-CARE volunteer co-ordinator, introduced herself to the attentive audience.
“Nav-CARE has kicked off and we’re in full swing. We’re accepting clients and volunteers. As of yesterday, we have 12 clients and five referrals that are pending. We have 18 trained volunteers and several are in the midst of doing training online. Training has been offered in person, in a classroom workshop-type setting and also online at your own pace,” she said.
“Our outreach is ramping up to build our services. You’ll begin to see new posters and flyers around town that look a little different than the materials that came out in spring.”
The next step is to train more volunteers and gain more clients.
“The good news is clients aren’t only limited to older adults. It affects every age group. And neither do our clients have to be in a palliative situation. There’s more to it than just those that are in palliative care,” she said.
“If they have a palliative condition or they’re lonely or they’re in need of a bit of a social interaction, that’s where we come in.”
She invited anyone interested in volunteering or referring a client to contact her at navcare@swdpc.com or 204-404-3030.
After the speeches, the evening continued with live music by The Marvells. For those who worked up an appetite on the dance floor, Danny’s Whole Hog provided a tasty late lunch.
Coming up on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., South West District Palliative Care will present An Evening of Remembrance. The event, which will take place at Something Beautiful Café in Stonewall, aims to remember loved ones as the holiday season approaches. Anyone who would like to attend can RSVP to s.w.d.p.c@hotmail.com or 204-322-5639.
Tribune Photos By Jennifer McFee
