There are several new faces on the board and they're starting to spend some of the money they've raised.
The Humboldt District Hospital Foundation (HDHF) held its annual general meeting in Humboldt on June 16 with close to 30 people in attendance.
The meeting was a celebration of what HDHF has accomplished in the past year and what lies ahead.
"The Humboldt District Hospital Foundation is a crucial part of the healthcare services within the Humboldt district," said Pat Witt, board chair. "Without the foundation, our healthcare services wouldn't be where they are today without the monetary gifts of our donors and the help of our dedicated volunteers."
Overall, the foundation has had a good year, raising funds for the equipment campaign for the new hospital and meeting their commitment for the building fund as well. Members of the Saskatoon Health Region were on hand to accept the $1 million cheque from the HDHF.
Shan Landry with the SHR thanked those not just in the room, but everyone in the district when she accepted the cheque.
"A handful of people have mobilized the entire district," she said. "I never heard 'I think I can'. It was always 'We can do it'."
As well as financial success, HDHF has also improved their image in the past year.
"We have successfully branded the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation throughout the district," Witt said. "Our name and logo are now a familiar site throughout the area. We need to maintain this momentum and continue to increase our profile so that we become the charity of choice throughout our district."
Witt also acknowledged the hard work of the equipment campaign team and how everyone in the district stepped up to help them meet PotashCorp's matching challenge for $500,000. A challenge that was met ahead of deadline.
Even with that success, the equipment campaign isn't over yet, with just under $300,000 left to be raised, noted Lorrie Bunko, HDHF executive director.
"The end is near in reaching our $1.8 million goal for the initial equipment purchases for our new healthcare facility. As this chapter closes, another will open," she said. "With the rapid advancement of technology, the equipment needs of the Humboldt District Hospital continue. Historically, the foundation averaged $200,000 in equipment purchases a year. We forecast that this number will increase which means we need to be financially prepared for the future."
With the lifespan of the old hospital fast-reaching an end, the HDHF is planning a farewell ceremony for the building and a celebration for the opening of the new health centre.
