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Local hospital appeals to community to support giving campaign

The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital aims to raise 300k despite postal strike
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Guelph General Hospital needs your support.

“Many people don’t know that all patient care equipment is funded by donations,” explained Director of Community Engagement and Communications, Elizabeth Stewart at The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital

Like many charitable organisations locally and across Canada, the Seasonal Fundraising Campaign that supports Guelph General’s highest priority patient care equipment needs got derailed by the lengthy mail strike.

“We were all set to mail close to 5,000 letters to the hospital’s supporters, letting them know the needs and asking for a donation this giving season, when the strike was called,” said Stewart. “So now, the need for funds is more urgent than ever.”

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The fundraising campaign is focussing on supporting the patient care equipment needs of nurses – essential tools they rely on day-in and day-out as they deliver care. Stewart expanded, “Things like patient lifts, wheelchairs, and stretchers and more. There are numerous essential equipment needs that we need to fundraise for.”

Patients like Ron know how important nurses, and their tools, are to patient care and healing. Ron developed cellulitis in his foot, and ended up at Guelph General, undergoing two operations and staying in the hospital for a total of 31 days. 

“The nurses on the fifth and sixth floors were so personal, caring and attentive. They really kept his spirits up!” recalled Ron’s wife, Linda. She added, “The hospital volunteers went the extra mile to make our experience a little easier. And when Ron developed an infection after he was discharged, the amazing staff in the emergency department triaged him right away and looked after him until he was re-admitted.”

Thanks to donations from community members, Ron’s team had everything they needed to care for and heal Ron so he could go back home to his family. 
Linda said, “Together, people in our community funded everything from the scalpel for Ron’s surgery to nursing equipment as essential as IV pumps, stretchers, and vital signs monitors.”

She added, “But they gave us much more than that. They gave Ron his quality of life back.”

Now that the postal strike is over, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital will get those donation letters out, but they likely won’t be in people’s homes until after the new year begins. 

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“We hope that people will still consider donating when they finally do receive their letter,” said Stewart. “Or, another option, if people would consider donating online, or by phone, we can facilitate that for our donors. For those who are not yet on our donor mailing list, we welcome you to get involved in supporting Guelph General, it’s a way that gives back to everyone in the community.”

Donations can be made online. Donations can also be made by phone to 519-837-6422. If donating by mail is preferred, then a cheque payable to The Foundation of GGH mailed to 115 Delhi Street, Guelph, ON N1E 4J4 can be sent, but be aware of possible delays due to the mail backlog.

Messages of thanks may be given along with donations. They will be put on display for the GGH team to enjoy over the month to come