The ‘blue coats’ have done it again!
On Monday, members of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society (DHAS) made a record $3 million donation to the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s (DHCH Foundation) ‘Coming Home’ Campaign.
The donation is the latest major contribution to the Foundation’s $18.25 million campaign for a new long-term care community and is one of the largest gifts ever received from a hospital auxiliary in the province.
The DHAS has been providing volunteer services, patient care and comfort and funding from their entrepreneurial efforts to Delta Hospital since 1969.
As one of B.C.’s most successful hospital auxiliaries, the DHAS has more than 300 dedicated volunteers who donate nearly 60,000 hours each year, working at the Auxiliary’s businesses - Dogwood Gift Shop, Courtyard Café, the Delta Auxiliary Thrift Store and Lifeline – all wearing their famous blue coats and cheerful smiles as they represent the community with pride.
“The Auxiliary is thrilled to support such a meaningful campaign to build a new care community for Delta’s seniors,” said President Cathy Bayley. “We are truly grateful for the dedication and entrepreneurial commitment of our volunteers that made this gift possible.”
The new 200 bed long-term care centre, owned and operated by Fraser Health Authority, will replace the 92 beds at Delta Hospital’s current facility, Mountain View Manor. The new facility will be named Beedie Long Term Care Centre and will include social and recreational spaces found in a typical home, such as a living room, dining room, activity space and access to the outdoors. In addition, the project will add a 32-space adult day program. An innovative stand-alone 49-space child daycare facility will also be constructed and create opportunities for intergenerational programming with long-term care residents.
“We are honoured to partner with the Auxiliary to ensure that our seniors have access to exceptional home-like care right in our community,” said Foundation executive director Lisa Hoglund. “We are continually inspired by the incredible dedication of the Auxiliary’s volunteers and the success of their many businesses.”
To learn more about the project see: www.dhchfoundation.ca/capital-campaign.
