The Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation marked a major milestone with its annual fundraising gala last Friday at the Access Event Centre.
Now in its 25th year and fittingly having been estimated to have now collectively raised about $25 million to make a difference in our region’s health care, the gala continues to make a major impact, with early estimates putting this year’s tally at around $110,000.
Executive director Shannon Samatte-Folkett and other speakers paid tribute to the trailblazers, volunteers, and the dedicated health care professionals who have helped bring not only the foundation but health care in the region to where it is at today.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity we’ve seen across our region. This shared commitment allows us to keep growing, innovating and serving the health care of our communities,” she said, noting the impact of things like the gala “aren’t just measured in dollars but in improved comfort and peace of mind during vulnerable health crises.
“It means so much to see support coming from every corner of our region, whether that is individuals, businesses, and community groups alike. Their support strengthens our healthcare for everyone who calls this area home.”
Dr. Aly Dhala touched on what “happens when vision meets with community support.”
He emphasized how they keep making progress that is resulting in “better care that’s closer to home for families in Winkler and Morden and the surrounding communities.
“Thank you to the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation for its leadership, passion and generosity,” he said. “[And for] the equipment, programs and projects you fund.”
Eileen Vodden, a former hospital director and more recently a regional director of acute care, touched on the vision for a regional hospital and highlighted some of the people who made it a reality such as Dr. Chandy Jacob, Dr. Jim Menzies, and his son Dr. Bob Menzies.
She especially cited Dr. Jacob, who was at one time the lone general surgeon here.
“I don’t think you would find people like that anymore. He was on call for both hospitals in Morden and Winkler, so he was really instrumental and trailblazing.”
Vodden also cited the original surrounding communities on the board including Morden, Winkler, R.M. of Plum Coulee, R.M. of Thompson, R.M. of Stanley, R.M. of Rhineland, R.M. of Roland and R.M. of Pembina. Also highlighted were the first board members including Ivadell Sigurdson, John Kuhl, Mona Livingstone, Frank Schaak, Marilyn Skubovius, Kim Porte, Lynda Oakes, Frank Wiebe, and Wilma Garlick. Other people working behind the scenes included Pat Gibson and Linda Duncan, among others.
“It took all of the municipalities and all of the communities to make this work,” emphasized Vodden, who also then recalled the drive to get an MRI into the hospital.
“The good thing about that is we’ve got trailblazers who are going to keep pushing, and the whole idea for these communities was to have services closer to home,” she said. “From that day forward, it’s just been as tremendous amalgamation … with every ounce of it being to provide better services closer to home in southern Manitoba.”
Boundary Trails Health Centre director of health services Joel Nelson recalled starting as an emergency room nurse, and the approximate 19,000 patients seen at that time. This year, that number is approaching 30,000 patients.
“It’s truly incredible to think about the growth that has happened over the last 10 years,” Nelson said.
“We’ve seen incredible progress across all of our programs,” he said, noting the hospital at one time did 30 hip and knee replacements, but that number has now reached 750 in the past year. As well, he cited the women’s health team and how the hospital had surpassed over 1,000 births this year. “It’s a milestone that reflects more than just a number. It reflects trust, compassion and teamwork.
“Boundary Trails has truly become a regional centre that serves not just Morden and Winkler but the entire southern health region. People come here because they know they will receive care that is advanced, compassionate, and close to home.”
Nelson emphasized how the expansion now will further transform health care in the region.
“These aren’t just construction projects. They’re a reflection of who we are as a community … a testament to the belief that health care should be close, compassionate and connected.”
Brent Menzies, who is stepping in as new foundation board chair, also highlighted the efforts of the frontrunners who helped set the stage for today’s successes.
“Their early efforts planted the seeds for the legacy of caring,” he said.
Menzies shone the spotlight on three leaders who have contributed so much to the foundation: Dr. Don Klassen, who has been the medical representative on the board for over 21 years, Ben Friesen, who served as chairperson for seven of his 12 years on the board, and June Letkeman, who returned to serve on the board after having previously contributed for many years.
“So here’s to 25 years of making a difference and to the future that we will build together,” said Menzies.
Foundation executive director Shannon Samatte-Folkett called it all “a real testament to what we can accomplish when we work together.”
“Foundations cannot be just about the dollar … I truly believe it’s about you and the people and the vision.”
