The Sound and Spirit of Christmas - St. Catharines General Hospital ...

FR_Jan_2010_FINAL_PRINT:SCGHF_Newletter 1/21/2011 1:10 PM Page 1
T H E S T . C A T H A R I N E S G E N E R A L H O S P I T A L
R E P R T
The Sound and Spirit of Christmas
The festive spirit of the holiday season filled the auditorium at Bethany
Community Church on November 20th as over 100 voices joined together to
share their gift of music. Welcomed by the sounds of the Niagara Regional
Police Pipe Band and the merry jingle of the Bethany Hand Bell Choir, guests were
invited to enjoy coffee and cookies as the lobby filled up with familiar faces.
The St. Catharines General Hospital (SCGH) Foundation was thrilled to have
Chorus Niagara as the feature entertainment for the celebratory concert. Chorus
Niagara, under the direction of Artistic Director Robert Cooper, is a passionate
group of 100 voices of diverse ages and walks of life whose mission is to entertain,
educate and inspire through performance of fine choral music. Chorus Niagara
entertained the audience with heart-warming holiday melodies like 'Star Carol',
'Jingle Bells' (directed by the one and only Santa Claus) and the unforgettable
sing-a-long to the '12 Days of Christmas.'
Santa Claus (Derry Robinson) directs Chorus Niagara as they sing ‘Jingle Bells.’
Artistic Director Lisa Cosens Brillon founded the Niagara Star Singers in 2008 to
showcase the talent of outstanding young singers, dancers and actors in Niagara.
This group of talented teenage girls treated the audience to holiday favourites
including 'Rockin Around the Christmas Tree' and the entertaining rendition of
'Santa Baby.'
The SCGH Foundation and guests were honoured to have critically acclaimed tenor, Michael Burgess as our
special guest. Mr. Burgess wowed the audience with his breathtaking performance of 'The Huron Carol' and
'Heavenly Night.' Attendees rejoiced in the spirit of the holidays as Chorus Niagara, Niagara Star Singers and
Michael Burgess performed several holiday classics together.
It was a wonderful afternoon of holiday cheer as the SCGH Foundation celebrated 25 years of fundraising
success with over 600 community members. All proceeds from the concert support the 2010 "Tree of Lights"
Campaign that will be directed toward the purchase of urgently needed electric beds for the Medical
Department. All equipment purchased for the current hospital site will be transferred to the new Health Care
Complex upon opening.
Pictured on Left: The very talented Michael Burgess entertains the crowd as Chorus Niagara accompanies with 100 beautiful voices.
(Photographs by: Shari Lovell)
Dashing through the snow, In a one horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go, Laughing all the way, Bells on bob tails ring,
Making spirits bright, What fun it is to laugh and sing, A sleighing song tonight!
The Niagara Star Singers dance and sing favourite holiday songs.
The Bethany Handbell Choir did a wonderful job entertaining guests
prior to the concert.
Thank you to the following supporters who, along with presenting sponsor TD, helped us spread Christmas Cheer this holiday
season: 105.7 EZ Rock; NEWSTALK 610 CKTB; Chorus Niagara, Niagara Star Singers, Michael Burgess; Bethany Hand Bell
Choir; Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band; OMNI Media – Peter Murray; Niagara Tents & Events; Lincoln Graphics; Starbucks;
Coffee & Stuff; Casa Leone Bakery; Derry Robinson; Mike Saunders; Dr. James Vlahos; W.H. Reimer & Sons Excavating; Barb
Devine and Shari Lovell.
| WINTER 2011 |

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Celebrating 25 Years of Fundraising Success
September 28, 2010 was a special day for the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation as we celebrated 25 years of Fundraising Success with many of our
generous donors. Friends and supporters enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while celebrating past accomplishments and learning about current and future
initiatives. They even had the opportunity to see what their money enabled us to purchase as several vendors were onsite with equipment recently purchased for
the General and Ontario Street sites.
Although Mr. John Bullivant, Founding President of the SCGH Foundation, could not be with us during our celebration, he was with us in spirit. He prepared the
following message to our generous donors which was presented by current Board President Rosemary Auld:
“Tonight’s celebration marks a significant milestone in our history. What has
developed over the past 25 years is a significant and unique relationship between an
organization called the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation and its donors.
Through the commitment and dedication of its Board and professional staff, they have
clearly demonstrated that your “donor dollar” will always meet the litmus test of its
Mission Statement which is: “The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation is a
non-profit, fundraising organization that supports the St. Catharines General Hospital
site of the Niagara Health System in securing innovative health care equipment and
state-of-the-art technology in modern facilities.”
You should take great pride and satisfaction in knowing that over this period of time
your donations have resulted in raising millions of dollars for patient care equipment.
Congratulations to all of you on this magnificent success story.
This, by any standard, is a significant and substantial amount of money, and it is
entirely due to your generosity and support of all campaigns and events which have
been carried out during this period of time. There can be little doubt whatsoever, that
the citizens of St. Catharines will continue to benefit from the winning combination of
the Foundation and its donors.
Unfortunately, I am currently in England, and therefore not able to say to each of you
- our donors - a very simple, but sincere Thank you, Thank you, Thank you”
John Bullivant – Founding President
Past and present SCGH Foundation Board Members and staff came together on September 28th
to celebrate 25 Years of Fundraising Success.
Seated: John Veeneman and Len Hume (Board Members)
1st Row: Sarah Phillips (Board Member); Rosemary Auld (Board President) and Dr. Anna
Kobylecky (Board Member)
Back Row: Mark Sherk (Past Board Member); Courtney Day (Development Coordinator); Jan Cook
(Past Board Member); Ameer Wakil (Past President); Barry Kowalski and James Watts (Board
Members); Monica Seger (Administrative Coordinator); Gord Statham (Board Member); Sandra
Sabo (Chief Operating Officer); Kristina Manzi (Special Events Coordinator) and Janet Tuck
(Financial Coordinator)
Photograph courtesy of Shari Lovell
We are thrilled to announce that, with the help of YOU our generous donors, the SCGH Foundation has raised
$40,629,040 for patient care equipment benefiting our community and healthcare professionals.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The Foundation would like to acknowledge the
following individuals for their thoughtful donations
throughout the holiday season:
Savour the Sounds
Palliative Department: The SCGH Auxiliary, with a little help from Santa Claus
and Kaley Charleton (a talented singer), delivered presents and holiday cheer
during their Annual Palliative Tea reception on December 14, 2010.
Grapeview School – Parent Council members, led by Pam Schonewille,
gathered donations from students/parents/guardians in honour of their teachers
this holiday season. In lieu of gifts, $1,182 was raised for the Paediatric
Department.
Brock University: (L to R) Lauryn Wiles, Lindsay Winger and Robert Wilkinson
from Student Life and Community Experience at Brock University were all
smiles as they delivered cards and toys to the SCGH. The trio organized a card
making day at the University – cards and toys were divided between
Paediatrics, Palliative and Children’s Mental Health
Dress Down for Dollars
Thank you to Canadian Tire Financial Services Charitable Donations for
donating $2000 towards the purchase of a Vital Signs (VS) Monitor. The
donation was funded jointly through employee “Dress Down” days and CTFS
corporate support. Dressing down never looked so good!
Guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of food, wine and music at the
“Savour the Sounds” Concert presented by 105.7 EZ Rock on Sunday,
August 22nd at Chateau des Charmes Winery. Canadian artist, Jarvis Church
got the crowd to their feet with a few of his R&B hits, while special guest
Grenville Pinto gave a modern twist to his violin performance. A delicious “wine
country” lunch prepared by Chef Erik Peacock of Wellington Court was paired
beautifully with wines from the Chateau. We are pleased to announce that
since 2006, our summer concert series has raised $60,000 after expenses to
be directed toward the purchase of urgently needed equipment for the St.
Catharines General Hospital site.
Pictured above: Grenville Pinto, Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF) and Jarvis Church pose together
after a successful fundraising day.
The Gift of Art
The SCGH Foundation would like to thank
artist Ed Telenko for his continued support.
Mr. Telenko donated $1,000 (a portion of
proceeds from his Art Exhibition held September
2010) toward the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Virginia Panko, local Artist and Emergency Room
Volunteer, also gave the gift of art. She donated a
cheerful painting of a rooster to brighten the
hallways of the Mental Health Department at the
St. Catharines General Hospital.
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Aglow in the Spirit of Giving
After 24 years of shining bright, the “Tree of Lights” continued to sparkle with the spirit of giving
as hundreds of community members gathered for the 19th Annual “Tree of Lights” Celebration
in Thorold and the milestone 25th Annual in St. Catharines this past November.
Trees were aglow in memory of Captain Charles Tully at the Thorold Firehall and Marguerite
Battista, Lois Cairns and Robert Nemcko at City Hall (St. Catharines.)
Young guests posed for pictures with Father Christmas and had a great time creating holiday
crafts and playing on the bouncer. Community members of all ages enjoyed performances by the
St. Charles School Choir (in Thorold) the Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band, Suzuki Niagara and
Stacey Hunt & Kaley Charlton who led the Candlelight Stroll in St. Catharines.
Stacey Hunt and Kaley Charleton (far left) led the candlelight stroll to the
beautiful glowing tree in front of City Hall. Mayor Brian McMullan, Father
Christmas (Derry Robinson) and Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF) were among
the many community members who enjoyed singing holiday favourites.
We are thrilled to announce that, after expenses, $58,000 was raised for the 2010 “Tree of Lights”
Campaign. The generosity of our community allowed us to purchase 10 Electric Beds for our
patient needs today. All equipment purchased will be transferred to the new Health Care Complex
upon completion.
Community members of all ages enjoyed delicious hot chocolate
prepared and served by members of the Regional Niagara Fire
Buff Association.
Pictured Above: Bones (Niagara Ice Dogs) sneaks into a picture with
Boomer and the Brock Badgers Women’s Hockey Team.
Pictured on Right: Students from St. Charles School Choir performed
beloved Holiday songs at the 19th Annual “Tree of Lights” Celebration in
Thorold.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor TD and our generous community for helping make the 2010 “Tree of Lights” such a success!
Presenting Sponsor
THANK YOU 2010 “TREE OF LIGHTS” SUPPORTERS!
PORTERS
In Association with
Brock kUniversity Athletics
Casa Leone Bakery & Deli
Kaley
Charlton & Stacey Hunt
Gotcha Covered
Niagara Fire Buffs Associates
Niagara Inflatables
Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band
Riganelli’s Bakery
Derry Robinson
Seaway Farms
St.
Charles Elementary School
Thorold Professional Firefighters
Special Thanks to the
SCGH Foundation Volunteers
The Foundation was pleased to host a thank you lunch as a small token of our
immense appreciation toward our dedicated volunteers for their continued support
during the past year. The success of the Foundation is due to the overwhelming support
we receive from our volunteers; day after day, month after month, year after year.
A great big thank you to Trevor Cooper (VP & Director, Cooper Wealth Management) for
sponsoring our special volunteer luncheon, Richard Taylor (VP of Operations for
Niagara Casinos and SCGHF Board Member) for donating a Fallsview Getaway
Package and our wonderful friends at White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa.
Kids Helping Kids
19th Annual “Coins for Kids” Program
Through the “Coins for Kids”
program, students learn the
value of giving back to their
community at an early age while
helping kids all over Niagara by
raising funds for our young
patients at the St. Catharines
Genearl Hospital. Participating
schools Glen Ridge; Grapeview;
Westmount; Parnall; St. Charles
and Ferndale did a tremendous
job this year and raised
$1,773.50.
Combined with the total raised in the 2008/2009 school year, the
SCGH Foundation was able to purchase a Vital Signs Monitor for the
Paediatric Department.
A very special thank you to: “Coins for Kids” Chair John Hunt and
family; Boston Pizza; Seaway Farms; Nestle; Heather Gallagher
(Manager, Maternal Child & Paediatrics); Lisa Saltarelli (RN) and
Trent Andison (Welch Allyn Canada) for your contributions. Since the
program’s inception in 1990, an incredible $79,553.50 has been
raised for our Paediatric Department.
Pictured L to R: Betsy Pizzacalla, Dee McLeavey, Nancy Anderson, Rosanna Hunt, Carole Price, and Bob
& Margaret Beach were among the loyal volunteers who enjoyed lunch with us this past December.
Congratulations to Glen Ridge Public School – our top fundraisers! Pictured Above:
Bronwynn Jenkins and Sophia Izzo are proud to show off the new Vital Signs Monitor
with their teacher Mrs. Stacy Robillard.
www.scghfoundation.com | Winter 2011 | Page 3

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Where There’s a Wheel...There’s a Way
2nd Annual Big Move Cancer Ride raises nearly 1/2 million
Cancer fighters, warriors and survivors were honoured on September 12,
2010 at the 2nd Annual Big Move Cancer Ride as 439 cyclists, 190
volunteers and dozens of sponsors rallied together to raise money for the
regional Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Cyclists enjoyed a beautiful fall day as they took part in the 50k or 100k routes
in honour, memory or support of friends and loved ones. Cheerleaders greeted
the cyclists as they crossed the finish line to celebrate with friends and family;
enjoy a hot lunch from Club Roma and listen to the sounds of the Broken
Cadence. It was truly a team effort by dedicated event committee members,
volunteers, sponsors, cyclists and community members that contributed to the
exciting and successful day.
The Foundation could not be happier to announce that the 2nd Annual Big Move
Cancer Ride raised a net revenue of $425,000 for services and patient care
equipment for the Walker Family Cancer Centre making the two year total over
$700,000! Overwhelming support from cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and our
generous community made this possible, – THANK YOU!
The 3rd Annual Big Move Cancer Ride will take place September 11, 2011. We
are excited to announce that in addition to the 50k and 100k routes, there will be
the option to complete a challenging 100 mile route! Registration is now open:
www.bigmovecancerride.com – we hope to see you there.
Hundreds of cyclists eagerly await the start of the 50k ride.
Photographs courtesy of www.joelsmithphotography.ca
Our All-Star Committee!
A group of cyclists give a big wave to the “eye in the sky” as they take part in the
2nd Annual Big Move Cancer Ride.
“I am honoured and proud to be part of this years ride. I rode in this years ride
in memory of my wife Claudette who left us on July 15, 2010. I am looking
forward to riding again next year. Great work everyone who rode and especially
all volunteers and organizers.” ~ Roger Helmkay
The Big Move Ride Committee, made up of cycling enthusiasts, dedicated their time
and talents over the past year toward making the event an enormous success.
1st Row: Beth Fleeton; Kelly Vandekaa and Sandra Sabo
2nd Row: Ron Matsushita; Kim Kobayashi; Carrie Morris; George Meek; Kevin
Labonte; Gary Bellhouse; Sam Bellhouse and Kristina Manzi
Back Row: Gord Statham and Tom Ryan
Missing from photo: Michelle Basciano; Louise Blais; Cary Clark; Anna Scott; Keith
Simmonds and Richard Taylor
Top Fundraisers
A huge thank you to Ruedi Hafen (Owner & Chief Pilot, Niagara Helicopters) for being our “eye
in the sky” and cheering on our riders from above! Salvador Ayala (Niagara Fine Arts &
Photography) went along for the ride and took wonderful aerial photos.
Walker Industries was the top fundraising team raising an incredible $81,217.28.
Top 5 Fundraising Individuals:
John Suk $16,445.60
Jennifer Kaufman $12,310
Graham Wilson $7,130
John Blake $7,017.68
Mary Basciano $6,975
Top 5 Fundraising Teams:
Walker Industries $81,217.28
White Oaks $41,124
Niagara Home Builders for the cure $32,120
Nycomed $30,347.60
Wolf Pack $24,651.37
Pictured Above: Dr. Janice Giesbrecht
(Medical Director of Oncology) and her
husband Gordon Sisler complete the 100k
route together on their tandem bike.
I ride because… “I moved here three years ago, and it’s a great feeling to do something to support this region. The new state-of-the-art centre is going to make
things easier for patients on their cancer journeys, because they won’t have to travel so far from home. When I signed up last year, I hadn’t been on a bike in
years – I didn’t even own one! Finishing the ride was the most amazing feeling of accomplishment. This year I want to beat both my time and my fundraising goal.”
~ Danielle Fauquier: Human Resources Assistant, Walker Industries Holdings Inc.
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Heroes with Heart
John
Lesley
Rachel
John: “Thirty five sessions of chemotherapy, everyday for seven weeks. Radiation every morning in
Hamilton, chemo every afternoon at the SCGH. Every trip to Hamilton started with feelings of fear
and self pity. Time passed and I began to feel the impact of what I witnessed. Thousands of others
were sick. As sick as I was – or worse. There was a different person at my door to take me for
treatment everyday – friends, family and loved ones. If you’ve never experienced the impact of this
disease, you’ll never understand the tremendous difference healing at home can make. When you’re
sick, there’s no place like home.”
Lesley: In late July 201, our beloved warrior, Lesley Osmond lost her battle with cancer. Her
amazing spirit and tremendous dedication to the building of the Walker Family Cancer Centre will
forever be remembered. She has touched the lives of so many in this community and her story of
bravery and determination will be an inspiration for years to come. “She knew the end would come
some day, but throughout her treatment she just focused on the battle, keeping a positive attitude and
putting her family first.” Said Gary Osmond, husband. “She was so passionate.”
Rachel: “I found a lump in my left breast on April 17, 2009. From the moment I was diagnosed, I
refused to take ownership of this cancer. I refuse for myself or anyone else to pity me. If you look
hard enough you can find a silver lining somewhere. I lost my hair; I didn’t have to shave my legs all
summer. When my eyelashes fell out, I saved on mascara. At the end of the day I count myself
fortunate. I have learned to live every day with purpose. My three year old daughter is my inspiration.
I have to be around for her, not just for her sake but for my own. I will feel great joy watching her grow,
graduate and get married. I’d like to be a Grandmother.”
A Pedal at a Time
Louise and Andre Blais, fitness trainers from The Club at White
Oaks, generously lent their time and expertise to lead training rides
every Thursday evening from May to September. Community
members of all skill levels are welcome to participate - please visit
www.bigmovecancerride.com for 2011 training ride details. Looking
for more information on the Big Move Cancer Ride? Join us at an
information session on February 15th, March 22nd or April 15th
(visit website for time/location).
“The emotional feeling of the event cannot be described
by words alone; it needs to be personally experienced.
I hope that the event continues to be a great success, in
Niagara, for Niagara, by Niagara. It is our time!”
~ Heather Gallagher: Clinical Manager, Maternal/Child
& Paediatrics
The Future Walker Family Cancer Centre
Proceeds from the Big Move Cancer Ride have been directed toward services
and patient equipment for the Walker Family Cancer Centre. This regional
cancer centre will: Provide radiation treatment for over 1,000 cancer patients
who currently travel to Hamilton or Toronto for radiation treatment services; Be
a multidisciplinary treatment centre providing systemic, surgical & radiation
oncology services; House three radiation treatment units, 35 systemic
(chemotherapy) infusion spaces and two outpatient clinics for patient
consultation and assessment; Accommodate approximately 80,000 patient visits
per year; and Have a considerable impact on reducing the wait times for cancer
diagnosis and treatment.
“Once this new facility is complete more patients will have access to high-quality
cancer care here in their own community, which is a key priority for our
government.” ~ Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.
Artist rendering of the Infusion Bay Area - Walker Family Cancer Centre
The Big Move Cancer Ride’s youngest volunteer,
Makayla Boucher, made sure all cyclists, volunteers and
guests got a healthy start to the day!
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State-of-the-Art Equipment Arrives at the General
Ontario Power Generation Purchases Life
Saving Equipment
In 2009, the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Plant Group committed to
purchasing a Vital Signs Monitor for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Through
payroll donations and several staff fundraisers, they met their $4,000
fundraising goal and a Vital Signs Monitor was purchased in October 2010. At
a presentation on-site at the Niagara-on-the-Lake plant, Trent Andison from
Welch Allyn discussed the importance of the new monitor for the ICU and
demonstrated how it works.
Patients can Breathe Easier
We are thrilled to announce that four new BiPAP Machines have arrived at
the General this past year. These new BiPAP Machines will replace the
12 year old machines previously at the SCGH that are now obsolete. BiPAP
Machines are used as a non-invasive measure to aid patients who are in
respiratory distress. These machines are greatly beneficial to patients as they
decrease the work of breathing and prevent the need for invasive treatment
thereby decreasing the length of hospital stay.
“I can verify that the kind donation of the BiPAP machines from the Foundation and
generous donors has revolutionized our Ventilatory/BiPAP care in the Intensive Care
Unit” says Dr. Neil Malcolm, Director of Critical Care Services. “It has been a
remarkable benefit and enhancement in our care of patients. The ICU is extremely
grateful.”
The SCGH Foundation would like to thank: the 2009 “Tree of Lights” title
sponsor Credit Bureau Services Canada and generous community members
who supported the annual Christmas Campaign (2009); Judy & Steve
Dymtrow; and Roy Cairns for making this urgent need a reality.
Pictured Above: Gord Statham (OPG Manager and SCGHF Board Member); Trent Andison (Welch
Allyn Canada); Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF) and Paul Hesch (Clinical Manager; Critical Care,
ICU/PCU).
Heart Health
On behalf of Cardiac Care patients and
healthcare providers, we would like to
extend a huge thank you to participants and
sponsors of the 11th Annual Run/Walk for
the General; 7th Annual White Oaks Spin
for the General and the 1st Annual
rEvolution Health & Wellness Centre Spin
for the General. A special thank you to
Patrick and Victoria Little who gave the Spin
for the General a generous boost with their
contribution of $10,000 directed toward the
It’s Our Time Campaign. Proceeds from
these three successful events were used to
purchase urgently needed ECG Machines;
two for the SCG site and one for the Ontario
Street site. ECG Machines record electrical activities of the heart and are the
initial screening tool for Heart Disease. These ECG Machines replaced aging
equipment and offer improved patient care.
Golf Classic Supports Paediatrics
The Foundation would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Niagara Home
Builders' Association for directing proceeds from their Annual Golf Classic
toward the Paediatric Department at the General. Proceeds enabled the
Foundation to purchase a Treatment Room Stretcher that offers superior
mobility, comfort and quality.
Pictured Above: (L to R): Dr. Neil Malcolm (Director of Critical Care Services) and Respiratory
Therapists Mike Dub and Susan O’Farrell take time to show Roy Cairns (generous donor who
purchased a BiPAP Machine in loving memory of his wife Barbara Lois Cairns) how a BiPAP
Machine works and explain why it was urgently needed.
Electric Beds for the Surgery Department
Thanks to a very generous donation from Members of B.V. Delle Grazie
(Our Lady of Grace) Society, the SCGH Foundation was able to purchase
three urgently needed Electric Beds for the Surgery Department. The majority
of beds at the SCG site are 20+ years old and difficult to adjust for both the
patient and healthcare provider. We are grateful to Our Lady of Grace Society
for providing our patients with comfortable and accessible beds while
recovering from surgery.
Pictured L to R:
Committee Members:
Laurion Ferranto (member
for the past 35 years),
Esterinal Delisio, Pacifico
Sirignanao and Msgr. Leo
Clutterbuck (back) were
pleased to present Sandra
Sabo (COO, SCGH
Foundation) with a cheque
for $20,000.
Cooling Blanket Saves Lives
The Foundation was contacted in November with an urgent request for a
replacement Cooling Blanket. The blanket was purchased immediately
following a generous $8,100 donation from a caring community member. A
cooling blanket is used to effectively lower core body temperature after
resuscitation from a cardiac arrest. Inducing mild hypothermia and slowing
metabolism reduces the risk of brain damage and greatly increases a patient’s
chance for survival.
Pictured Above: Bill Klingender, Burnstein Brick (Golf Committee), Chuck McShane, Hi-Tech
Door Systems (NHBA President), Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF), Anne Lennard-Otto, Distinctive
Designs & Cabinetry (Golf Committee), Jim Dove, Regional Doors & Hardware (Golf Committee
Co-Chair), Joe Katzman, and Dufferin Concrete (Golf Committee Co-Chair)
The Cooling Blanket arrived the first week of December; just in time to save
the life of a patient who experienced cardiac arrest. Emergency Room and
Intensive Care Unit Staff are thrilled to have received a new Cooling Blanket
which will allow them to offer the greatest level of patient care.
Page 6 | Winter 2011 | www.scghfoundation.com

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Cones for Kids
Helping Kids, One Scoop at a Time!
Cones for Kids, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Avondale Dairy Bar, took place on the
weekend of August 13 – 15, 2010. Proceeds from the sale of special items were donated
toward the Paediatric Department at the St. Catharines General. Extremely warm weather brought
in crowds of people hungry for ice cream and resulted in the sale of: 610 Waffle Cones; 1,920 Cones
and 155 Peach Sundaes!
Saturday was a special Family Fun Day where children of all ages enjoyed having their face painted,
making crafts, playing on the bouncer, meeting their favourite mascot and learning from the Mad
Scientist.
Thank you to the staff at the Avondale Dairy Bar and dozens of incredible volunteers for helping to
raise $3,000 this summer for a total of $6,000 in two years.
Violet (Great Wolf Lodge), along with Crystal Bunny & Chilly Dog (Winter
Festival of Lights) were among the many mascots who came out to visit
with hungry ice cream patrons!
Pictured L to R:
Ray & Debbie Sheehan
(Owners, Avondale Dairy Bar),
Eden Armstrong (Manager,
Avondale Dairy Bar) and
Heather Gallagher (Clinical
Manager, Maternal/Child &
Paediatrics) are all smiles as
they pose next to the Crib
Stretcher they were able to
purchase from two successful
Cones for Kids fundraisers.
This Crib Stretcher replaces an
outdated, 25+ year old Crib
Stretcher.
Pictured Above: Local politicians, SCGH Foundation Board Members,
Hospital Staff (including Dr. Anthony Chan pictured on the right, seated)
and Avondale Dairy Bar Staff came together to kick off the event and
sample delicious ice cream flavours! Photograph by: Denis Cahill.
Radio Amateurs Ham it up!
Radio-Thon Supports the SCGH
Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGH Foundation) is pleased to accept a
cheque of $735 from Peter Teminski (Coordinator, Va3wet) and
Geddie Pawlowski (VP of Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club,
Ve3cjx). For the second year, the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio
Club has directed proceeds from their Annual Canada Day Radio
Thon toward patient care equipment. The Foundation is thankful to the
Radio Club for their continued support.
Sweet Treats
Lemonade & Cookie Sale Benefiting the
Special Care Nursery
Pictured Above: Aiden & Abigail pose proudly
with their homemade lemonade and cookies.
The Special Care Nursery at
the General is fortunate to
have continued support from
Aiden & Abigail Schonewille.
Selling lemonade & cookies to
friends, family and neighbours
resulted in a total of $200
which the brother and sister
donated toward care for our
youngest patients.
Making Miracles Happen
December 2010 marked the 23rd anniversary for
the annual Magic n’ Miracles show hosted by the
St. Catharines Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.
This holiday tradition has become something to look
forward to, a little bit of magic that encourages the
spirit of giving in our community. Over the past 23
years, an incredible $510,000 has been raised to
purchase urgently needed patient care equipment for
Maternal Child Care at the St. Catharines General
Hospital.
Pictured on Right: Terry Colburn (President of the St. Catharines
Professional Fire Fighters’ Association) was proud to present
Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF) with a cheque for $19,000;
proceeds from the 2009 Magic N’ Miracles Show. This money
enabled the Foundation to purchase an Isolette for our youngest
patients in the Special Care Nursery.
Bears that Care
100 Stuffed Animals for Paediatrics
For the third year, Niagara This Week has held an advertising promotion whereby a
stuffed animal was purchased for each advertisement sold. The result was a
wonderful donation of 100 stuffed animals for our young patients in the Paediatric
Department. Kimberly Bok (pictured below) was excited to be the first patient to choose
a cuddly companion before having her tonsils removed. The staff and patients of the
Paediatric Department are grateful for the continued support of Niagara This Week.
Pictured on Left: Heather
Gallagher (Clinical
Manager for Maternal
Child & Paediatrics),
Sandra Sabo (COO,
SCGHF), and Kimberly
Bok (patient) were thrilled
to accept the donation of
100 stuffed animals from
Mike Williscraft (Director of
Editorial) on behalf of
Niagara This Week.
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FR_Jan_2010_FINAL_PRINT:SCGHF_Newletter 1/21/2011 1:10 PM Page 8
Supporting the Regional Walker Family Cancer Centre
A Rocking Success
Portstock Music Festival Surpasses
Fundraising Goal!
Organizers, Dianne Warkentin
and Mike Howe, were thrilled
with the incredible success of the
3rd Annual Portstock Music Festival,
held in partnership with Niagara
Tents and Events September 11th
on Henley Island. An outstanding
$20,000 was raised for services and
patient equipment for the regional
Walker Family Cancer Centre in memory of Mike Wilson.
800 fans rocked out to: Desire; Marty Allen Band; Blue Radio; The Randhalls
and Justin Kilts while enjoying delicious foods, refreshments and great
company on the scenic Henley Island.
Since the inaugural event in 2008, Portstock has raised over $35,000!
Dianne and Mike have made a commitment to raise $50,000 for the Walker
Family Cancer Centre and in recognition; a large Exam Room on the 2nd
floor will be named in memory of her brother and his dear friend Mike Wilson.
A great big thank you to: sponsors; committee members; and the 100+
volunteers who made this event an overwhelming success.
Pies with Purpose
Once again, the owners of Nokara Farms generously donated $1 from
every delicious pumpkin pie sold toward services and patient care
equipment for the Walker Family Cancer Centre. This resulted in a donation
of $2,000 for a two year total of $4,000!
Pictured Above: Kathryn Ferretti (Owner, Nokara Farms) and Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF)
pose next to an artist rendering of the new health-care complex.
Andy’s Hairy Moment
Andrew Moir, a community minded honours student at Brock University,
had been growing his hair out for six years and decided to donate it to
Locks of Love for the creation of wigs for cancer patients. In addition to the
donation of hair, Andrew wanted to raise money for the regional Walker
Family Cancer Centre and asked friends, family and fellow students for
monetary support. On Saturday, October 16th Andrew donated 3 feet of hair
to Locks of Love and $945 to the Cancer Centre!
Tammy Vahremeyer Conquers her
1st Marathon
Mike VandenDool, a 12 year old boy
who lost his courageous 17 month
battle with cancer in 2008, inspired
Tammy Vahremeyer to raise funds for her
local Cancer Centre. Mike started “Mike’s
Miracles” in hopes to make the road
easier for other children and give them
the opportunity to have fun with their
families.
Inspiration and her desire to complete a
marathon before she turned 40 lead
Tammy to the 42km marathon through
four Disney Parks in Walt Disney World,
Florida.
Congratulations Tammy on conquering
your first marathon on January 10, 2010 and raising an incredible $2,735 for the
regional cancer centre!
Pictured Above: Tammy during one of her many training runs.
A Day at the Spa
The Bodisense Spa (located at White
Oaks) has done it again! Proceeds
from their “Day at the Spa” fundraiser,
held in October, raised an incredible
$6,527 for a two year total of over
$12,000 in memory of the late Sheila
Spear (Owner of Bodisense).
Fun & Food
The Falls View Hose Brigade had a busy, and very successful, fundraising
summer. Proceeds from several volleyball tournaments along with a steak
night with over 250 guests amounted to an incredible $5,000 for the Walker
Family Cancer Centre.
Pictured Above (L to R): Dave Stevens (Fundraising Chairman), Sandra Sabo (COO, SCGHF) and
Tony Baldinelli (President) proudly hold a drawing of the future healthcare complex and site of the
regional cancer centre.SCGHF).
Pictured Above: Andrew poses with his “new do” with staff at HQ Hair Salon.
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FR_Jan_2010_FINAL_PRINT:SCGHF_Newletter 1/21/2011 1:10 PM Page 9
The SCGH Foundation Board of Directors – Under New Leadership
The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation is led by a seventeen member volunteer Board of Directors. As a group, they
represent many diverse professions. As individuals, each one brings a special skill set to the team that enhances the group’s
overall ability to reach out to the community and raise funds for a very important cause.
After ten years of committed service, and as President from 2008 – 2010, Ameer Wakil has retired from the Board of Directors.
Mr. Wakil was an active participant on the board and fearlessly led the group through many significant changes. Even though his
presence on the board has been missed; Mr. Wakil remains a generous supporter and dear friend of the Foundation.
We are pleased to welcome Rosemary Auld into her new role as President of the SCGH Foundation Board of Directors. Mrs. Auld
has a long standing history with the Foundation; she has been an active Board Member since 2006 and was unanimously voted
1st female President for the 2010/2011 term. We are confident that Mrs. Auld will successfully lead our Board of Directors through
the exciting and challenging times ahead.
We are looking forward to the 2010 – 2011 term with a core group of past dedicated Board Members and are pleased to welcome Barry Kowalski; Dr. Anna
Kobylecky and Alan Whitehead to the team. The momentum gathered over the last few years will help this committed group continue their fundraising initiatives in
2011. In addition to the current patient care equipment “Wish List” totalling $4.5 million, the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation is currently raising funds
for the Digital Fluoroscopy Unit (installed January 2009) and Digital Mammography Unit (installed December 2009).
Drive for Success
15th Annual Golf Classic Surpasses the ½ way mark for the Digital Fluoroscopy Unit!
Over 160 golfers participated in the 15th Annual Golf Classic that took place on a scorching hot summer day in July at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club.
Guests enjoyed a great day of golf, exciting prizes and delicious food featuring dishes from around the world.
An outstanding $55,200 was raised after expenses at this years' tournament and will be directed toward the Digital Fluoroscopy Unit at the SCGH site. Installed
January 2009, this regional Digital Fluoroscopy Unit allows for quicker, safer, more accurate and efficient patient diagnosis. It is used to obtain quick, accurate
images and immediate diagnosis of strokes, cancers, crohn's, colitis and the evaluation of veins, joints and clots. This equipment is the first of its kind with 3D
image technology in Canada and has screened over 3,000 patients. To date, $607,174 of the $1.2 million required has been raised for the Digital Fluoroscopy Unit.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Stan Parzygnat (President), Matt Harris (General Manager) and the team at Sundawn Integrated Services for their
continued support and generosity. Sundawn Integrated Services, a national leader in heating and air conditioning for over 50 years, committed to supporting for
the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation when they accepted the role of presenting sponsor of the Foundation's Annual Golf Classic for the seventh
consecutive year. Thank you to our generous sponsors and volunteers; your support is integral in making the Annual Golf Classic a continued success!
Proud Foundation supporters John Bullivant (Founding SCGHF
President), Rosemary Auld (President, SCGHF Board of Directors),
John Veeneman (1st Vice President, SCGHF Board of Directors) and
Al Colby (RBC) enjoyed a beautiful summer day on the golf course
for a great cause.
Stan Parzygnat (President, Sundawn Integrated
Services) and Tom Cassidy.
Looking Back…
The Dialysis Program – Where It Began
Dr. Robert Manning has always felt
a strong connection to St.
Catharines; he was born at the St.
Catharines General Hospital and even
worked as an orderly early in his
career. When Dr. Manning realized the
strong demand for a Dialysis Program
in Niagara (Niagara residents were
forced to travel to Hamilton for
treatment), he left his job as a resident
in Hamilton working in Dialysis and the
Organ Retrieval Program and moved
home, to St. Catharines.
In 1973, Dr. Manning brought his
wealth of knowledge and experience
(working at a Clinic in Cleveland for
five years as a resident Nephrologist)
to Niagara and started a Dialysis
Program at Hotel Dieu. The program
had humble beginnings; starting with
19 patients and one outpatient
machine.
Working as the only Nephrologist in
Niagara, Dr. Manning was a very busy
man; however, he found time to
educate others on Dialysis treatment.
Doctors from Taianjin China came to
St. Catharines to learn from Dr.
Manning and left with an old Dialysis
unit that they were able to take back
use for the Chinese Military. The
Canadian Society of Nephrology
invited Dr. Manning (along with five
Nephrologists from across Canada) to
visit Ottawa to create policy for all
dialysis and transplant National
Jeff Samchyk (Radiology-Charge Technologist) spent time with Matt
Harris & Stan Parzygnat (Sundawn Integrated Services) and Sandra
Sabo (COO, SCGH Foundation) to explain how the new Digital
Fluoroscopy Unit works and even showed the group examples of
images that it creates.
Programs across the country.
One of the most exciting stories Dr.
Manning shares is of the liver that was
taken from a deceased patient at the
St. Catharines General and flown to
Montreal which resulted in a
successful transplant for the patient.
Three Nephrologists replaced Dr.
Manning in 1992 when he was forced
to take early retirement after suffering
a stroke. At this time, the Program had
grown to have a central system with
nine beds. Currently located at the
Ontario Street site of the Niagara
Health System, six Nephrologists care
for the 440 patients on renal
replacement therapies.
www.scghfoundation.com | Winter 2011 | Page 9

FR_Jan_2010_FINAL_PRINT:SCGHF_Newletter 1/21/2011 1:10 PM Page 10
Friends of The General
The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the following Friends of the General for their gifts of $200 or more between
May 1, 2010 and October 31, 2010. Tree of Lights donors were published in The St. Catharines Standard. Thank you to all donors for their support.
CHAIRMAN'S CLUB
B.V. Delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace)
Barry Robbins Towing
Roy Cairns
Joseph Carlomusto
Club Roma (St. Catharines) Inc. Ladies
Auxiliary
Cooper Wealth Management
Court Holdings Limited
Paul & Ellen Doyle
Stephen & Phyllis Drake
Dr. Archie & Loretta Heide
Hulse & English Funeral Home
Irma Janzen
Victoria & Patrick Little
Barbara Macdonald
Frederick Marlow
Mennonite Savings and Credit Union
Niagara Home Builders Assoc.
Niagara Prosthetics & Orthotics Corp.
Niagara Tournament of Hope
ReMax Garden City
St. Catharines Professional Fire Fighters'
Assoc.
Walker Industries Holdings
Linda Walters
DIRECTORS CLUB
Advanced Office Solutions Inc.
Agfa Inc.
Aramark Canada Ltd.
Avondale Dairy Bar
Elisabeth Borman
Brand Boulevard
Evelyn Campeau
Carroll Hospital Group
Complex Supply Inc.
Credit Bureau Services Canada
William & Nancy Elkin
Flynn Canada Ltd.
Franklin Templeton Investments
Adelaide Fransen
Fraternal Order of Eagles # 3155 - Ladies
Auxiliary
Fulton Steel Ltd.
G.B. Environmental Services (Niagara)
Ltd.
Grey Power Insurance Brokers Inc.
Jessie Harcombe
Hewitt Associates
John & May Houghton
Janssen - Ortho Inc.
John Bear Pontiac Buick St. Catharines
Lorene Katzman
Mohawk Hospital Services
Rick Naldjieff
Gwen Northwood
Ontario Power Generation
PCL Constructors Canada Inc
Pen Centre Promotion Fund
Perkins Family Restaurant
Plenary Health
Port Dalhousie Lions Club
Precise Parklink Inc.
Professional Respiratory Home Care
Service Corp.
Quick Service Software Inc.
Henry & Eve Ramaker
Ramaker's Imports Inc.
Giuseppina Romano
Royal Canadian Legion, (Poppy) Br. #138
Sheehan Mechanical 2002 Inc.
Joseph & Antoinette Sorbara
St. Catharines Gyrettes
Sullivan, Mahoney LLP Lawyers
Tricom Security
White Oaks Tennis World Inc.
TRILLIUM
David Armstrong
Wallace Bankert
Brock Elevator Niagara Ltd.
Adrian & Constance Buis
Andrew Carse
Chapman Murray Assoc. Architects Inc.
Charter Building Company
Michael Cvetanovic
Durward Jones Barkwell & Company
Bernard Grimes
Debbie Hayward
David Henry
C.H. Ironberg
Jennie Klapatiuk
Jane Lammers
Meridian Credit Union
Vince & Gina Nardangeli
James Nesbitt
Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club
Inc.
Andrew Phillis
Grenville Pinto
Praxair
Professional Carpet Systems
Mark Prudden
rEvolution Health & Wellness Centre
H. Raymond Seguin
Silver Spire United Church Women
Bonnie Sipos
Douglas Sips
Stevensville Kinettes Service Club
Roberta Styran
Colin Troup
Ventcare Inc.
Murray Walters
DONORS
Aldente's Inc O/A Grazi Cafe
William Allen
Peter & Eva Annett
Frank Ardizzone
Anne Atkinson
Rosemary & Tom Auld
Carol Banting
Beatties Basics
Jacqueline Beckles
Muriel Bennett
Henryk Bialy
Bob Robinson & Son Construction
Ann Boeckh
Dr. Kevin Boyce
Patricia & Jack Braun
Brian Cullen Motors Limited
Bridge Centre of Niagara Inc.
Brouwer's Custom Upholstery Limited
C.A.W. Niagara Area Retired Workers
Council
John Carpenter
David & Oriana Cecchi
Karen Cerca
Marjorie Chamberlain
Charm Diamond Centres
Chateau Des Charmes
Albert Cibik
Sandra Clubb
Allan & Sharleen Colbey
Kerry Cornelius
Ruth Court
Crossingham & Brady
Corinne Darby
Giuseppe & Edda Demarchi
Marcel & Sandra Denis
Direct Energy
Terry Dixon
Ken & Sonja Draayer
Dry Cleaners Against Cancer
Anna Dyck
Ecosystem
Orval Egerter
Heidi Elliot
Teresa Ferland
J.Y. Fleming
Rose Forten
Peter & Frieda Funk
Maria Gallicchio
Amy Giammarco
William Gillies
David & Judith Gittings
Glen Ridge Public School
Tina Goertzen
Louise Goller
Stella Gontarczyk
Joan Gurinskas
Hallex Engineering Ltd
Dr. J. Robert Hannah
Harry & Rosalyn Hatch
Florence Heier
Doris Herster
Brad Johnstone
Gail Jones
Len Kalynivk
Maria Klemen
Dietrich & Helen Koop
William Kovacs
Barry Kowalski
Karnik Kwazenjian
Nathan Lambert
Andy Langendoen
Guy Lessard
Robert & Sandra Lewies
Lincoln Chapter 142 Order of The Eastern
Star
Loblaw Properties Ltd.
Mack Alumni Association
Jennie Majka
Adriana Marynissen
Alojz Maticic
Kazmira Matschay
Melissa McComber
Judy McDonald
Gordon McKindsey
Joyce Montgomery
Mountainview Homes (Niagara) Ltd.
Damion Mueller
Fred Nishimura
Nutrition & Food Services Staff
Jacquelline Overholt
Rose Owen
John Pahl
Marion Park
Florence Passingham
Adelia Peterson
Josephine Pfeifer
Lola Philipson
Mary Pizzo
PMG Systems Ltd.
Natalka Poliszczuk
Premier Fitness
R. A. Jones Electrical
Nettie Rahn
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
Renaissance Salon & Esthetique
William & Rosalind Ryman
Rynberk Landscape Contractors Inc.
Hermine Schwenker
Tony Shaw
Mark & Carrie Sherk
Margo Smith
Staff of M.C.F.C
Margaret Sulman
Tony Dipaola Professional Corporation
John & Helen Tutecky
Upper Lakes Group Inc.
Cornelis & Maria Vanderhoeven
John & Barbara Veeneman
Westmount School
George Williamson
Windim Holdings Ltd.
Richard & Joyce Wright
Peter & Gillian Young
Brian & Janice Yungblut
THEIR MEMORY LIVES ON
Angus Adams
Vera Alexander
Harry James Anderson
Erwin Andres
Susann Andres
John Anthony
Barbara Armstrong
Lucille Arsenault
Rose Balsom
Willem Bartelds
Estate of Shirley Bates
Frank Becchetti
William Bell
Alton Bennett
Tom Biesiada
Mary Blanchard
Barbara Blue
Hilda Boles
Gordon Boucock
Jean Brookson
David Brown
Ursula Sue Bruce
Johanna Busauskas
Beatrice Cass
Elvira Cecchini
Norma Cervone
Doris Chandler
James Chess
Leona Ciancio
Louis Citrigno
Domenic Continelli
Glen Coons
Edward Corbett
Katherine Corbett
Lorna Cressman
Arthur Crocock
Elizabeth (Beth) Currey
Steve Czajkowski
John Daffern
Leslie DeBeau
Alfredo DeBlasis
Eleanor Demoe
Antonietta Dintino
Ralph Doggett
Dorothy Doolittle
George Doty
Ronald Douthwaite
Raffaele (Ralph)
Maria Fast
Lino Favero
Keith Ferguson
Roland Fleck
Rose Fredlander
Helen Funk
Anna Gawel
William German
Eileen Gibson
Ron Gibson
Rosetta Gill
Terrence Glen
Alex Graham
Sadie Grifa
J.A. Hambleton
George Harrison
E. Millicent Hastey
Nora Hausmann
Margaret Heciak
Reg Hendsbee
Muriel Hering
Jessie Herriott
Richard Hill
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FR_Jan_2010_FINAL_PRINT:SCGHF_Newletter 1/21/2011 1:11 PM Page 11
Grace Hobley
Bette Holcombe
Kenneth Holmes
Myron Hrabowsky
Susan Hughes
William Hunt
Kenneth Jacob
Dennis Jones
Shirley Jones
James Kennedy
Leith Kennedy
Robert Kiemele
Elizabeth Kimmitt
Anna-Maria Kovacs
Zita Krebs
Sarah Kuchard
Kirk Kudrinko
Ron Lake
Duncan Lamont
Roy Lampard
Irene Leguerrier
Antanas Liaksas
Catarina Lillo
Thelma Lloyd
Nellie Lodboa
Donald Logan
Elsie Lyttle
James MacCallum
R. Douglas MacDonald
Ronald Macfarlane
Isabel MacLean
Donald MacLeod
Joseph MacMillan
Suniti Eknath Marathe
Ena Marshall
Warren Masters
Elizabeth Mates
Frank D. Mauro
Myron McBride
Doris McCausland
Alan McClory
Frances McLister
Gary McShane
John Mellor
Linda Metsala
Birgit Michaud
Frances Miller
Arthur Misener
Anne Mitchell
Ruby Moore
Betty Morgan
Mildred Morrish
Dean Mucci
Stan Muir
Jim Munro
June Munro
Audrey Murphy
Cynthia (Cindy) Nagy
Gerry Nazar
Dorothy Neal
John Neill
Robert Nemcko
Robert Nesbitt
Daniel Neufeld
Omer O'Halloran
George Osmond
Lesley Osmond
William Pape
Charlie Parker
Carla Pawlik
Henry Penner
Elizabeth Peters
Peter Peters
Maria Petrecca
Ruth Possen
Peggie Purdy
Gerardo Ricciardi
Claire Richardson
Anne Riehl
Shirley Rittenhouse
Donald Roach
Jean Robinson
Walter Rushak
Vernon Russell
Winnifred Ryan
Maxene Sather
Mary Schock
Betty Schwenker
Jean Selvig
Luigi Setacci
Donald Shepherd
Muriel M. Shore
John Sidiropoulos
Ross Simmons
Alan Smith
Thomas Smith
Stella Sorko
Lloyd Southward
Anne Stewart
Robin Stewart
Gloria Stopard
Irene Swan
Betty Taylor
Harry Taylor
Joyce Taylor
William Taylor
Ada Terry
Henry Thompson
Lewis Thompson
Aline Tousignant
Hezekiah Towle
Charles Tully
John Van Dyk
Marjory Voisard
Kenneth Warwick
Phyllis White
Lorene Wilkie
Ethel Williamson
Jean Wilmer
Helen Wilson
Irena Wojtasik
Roy Wormald
Clarence York
Kathleen Zaikos
Peter Zeliznak
Happy 146th to the SCGH Auxiliary!
In 1865, seven far-sighted community-minded women met at the
request of Dr. Theophilus Mack to form a committee to aide the
hospital. This committee known today as the St. Catharines
General Hospital (SCGH) Auxiliary was the first Hospital
Auxiliary to be created in Canada and North America.
Members of the SCGH Auxiliary will be celebrating their
incredible accomplishments on Monday, March 21st as they
toast 146 years of history.
The first major fundraising event was a bazaar held in 1867 that
raised $1,002.32 and was used to purchase furniture, linens,
and kitchen utensils etc. for the St. Catharines General Hospital.
Since their inauguration in 1865, many events including: teas;
luncheons; penny sales; bake sales; flea markets; fashion
shows; raffles; golf tournaments; Bingo and more have resulted
in an incredible $5.5 Million being raised and directed toward
purchasing patient care equipment. In addition to supporting
equipment purchases, in the early years the Auxiliary also
funded bursaries for nurses in training and funded wages for the
Candy Striper Director.
On behalf of the SCGH Foundation Board of Directors and Staff,
we would like to extend congratulations and great appreciation
to the SCGH Auxiliary on your tremendous achievements and
unwavering dedication to improving healthcare in Niagara.
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News from the NHS - A Lean Initiative
Seeing the world through someone else’s lens can give a whole different perspective on how
we view and experience the world around us. This couldn’t be truer than in the case of the
patients served at Niagara Health System sites.
A team of Niagara Health colleagues stepped out from behind their desks and away from
bedsides recently to find a new way to become more efficient. “We’re embarking on a multiyear
Lean initiative to improve our patients’ experience by focusing on reducing wait/treatment
times in our ERs and running programs more efficiently for patients,” says VP of Patient
Services and Strategy Linda Boich. “The whole concept of Lean is to look at our processes and
eliminate waste, improve patient flow, and operate more efficiently.”
“We’re starting by taking direct aim at wait times at St. Catharines General (SCG) Site to
improve the time it takes to be admitted from the Emergency Department into an inpatient bed
through to discharge,” says Linda Boich, “Every step in the patient’s journey is being
examined.”
Lean management principles have been used effectively in manufacturing companies for
decades and in recent years have been applied to the delivery of healthcare. Lean thinking
started in the automotive sector by eliminating waste so that everything being done adds value
and directly serves the customer’s needs. There is much evidence that Lean can be
successfully applied in healthcare, and Niagara Health is learning from other healthcare
organizations who have been on the Lean journey for a number of years.
More than 60 staff members are participating on Lean teams and taking on two major initiatives
involving the ER and Medical Inpatient Unit in St. Catharines. Many of the team members have
shared their personal excitement and renewed enthusiasm about being able to work as a team
to deal with the barriers and frustrations they have long faced in consistently providing excellent
care for all of their patients. By using simple process redesign tools like ‘visual controls’ and
‘waste walks’, Lean team members are identifying meaningful ways to reduce the waste,
improve turnaround times and enhance job satisfaction.
Already, the improvements have helped reduce the time staff spends finding equipment,
increased communication about patients who may have an infection, and improved processes
for ordering lab and x-ray tests. The more team members are becoming immersed in the Lean
approach, the more opportunities they are finding to create a better way in the work they do.
The successes at SCG will be used at other NHS sites.
To check for regular updates on specific projects over the next several months, Visit
www.niagarahealth.on.ca/about/lean.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH US? If you would prefer to receive this publication electronically or any additional information from our office please email us at
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email address will only be used to communicate the Foundation’s newsletters as authorized by you, the account holder. If you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, contact
The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation
142 Queenston Street ~ St. Catharines, Ontario ~ L2R 7C6 Phone: 905.323.FUND (3863) Fax: 905.684.3226
Email: info@scghfoundation.com Website: www.scghfoundation.com Charitable Registration No. 11925 7509 RR0001