‘Tis the season to give. If you are looking for a different holiday wish list, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation is the place to look.
St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph is a fully-accredited, not-for-profit provider of specialized hospital care, in-patient rehabilitation services, palliative care, and long term care. St. Joe’s is also the home of day programs for outpatients of all ages, including those with Acquired Brain Injury, Young Onset Dementia, and Aphasia; as well as day and respite care programs for people with Alzheimer’s.
“St. Joe’s respite care program has been a lifesaver for our family. It has provided my father with a place to interact with others, sing along to karaoke, move safely and securely with his walker and a PSW, and just enjoy a different day-to-day experience,” said a program participant’s daughter, anonymously. “The program has provided my stepmother with a week’s break each month, so she can take a breath, and find the energy and strength to continue to keep my father at home. This is literally life-changing,” she finished.
The St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation is the fundraising arm of this important local facility, and it is looking for your help, this holiday season.
“Most people don’t realise that every piece of equipment used in direct patient care is paid for with donations,” said Jennifer Hall, Vice-President, Development, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. “St. Joe’s Holiday Wish List is full of our most-pressing equipment needs. It also helps our community understand how costly some of this equipment is.”
St. Joe’s Holiday Wish List includes:
- patient ceiling lifts, at $3100 each;
- air mattresses, $3200 each;
- floor lifts at $13700 each;
- and bladder scanners, $16500 each
New this year, is a Care and Compassion Fund.
“We are seeing an increased need for funding for items such as glasses, dentures and hearing aids for those who don’t have benefits, or the funds to access these important items. For many people, these types of adaptive supports are essential to their ability to recover, rehabilitate and maintain the best possible quality of life,” said Hall. “This new fund is based upon need, and will help these seniors to succeed.”
This year, Guelphites are able to see their donations doubled, thanks to a generous local family.
“The Michalos family have agreed to match the first $50,000 raised until December 31, 2022,” said Hall. “We are so privileged to have the support of this generous local family. I know they are honoured to help St. Joe’s in this way and they hope their matching donation will inspire others to support the vital healthcare and services St. Joe’s provides our community,” she continued.
The St. Joe’s Holiday Wish List campaign will run until December 31, 2022. For more information, or to make a donation with double the impact, go online here or call 519-767-3424.
St. Joe’s helps so many facing significant health challenges. You can help them too.