Gabriolans rally behind GHCF in record numbers
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, April 28 2008
No, the headline isn’t a typo. We are all members of the GHCS and can now start thinking about the GHCF - Gabriola Health Care Foundation - as we set out on the next stage in making significant improvements to healthcare on the island.
And yes, this weekend Gabriolans will have set a record for the largest garage sale ever held here and can now seize two more terrific opportunities to raise funds in May: a fun-filled fitness event for everyone at The Gym @ Twin Beaches on Tuesday, May 13th and a chance to purchase the ultimate Mother’s Day gift.
At press time Nancy Nevison - who formerly owned BC Bundles - reported that she has managed a very sweet deal for wholesale flowers to benefit Island health care. But you have to act now.
“The deadline for ordering flowers is Saturday, May 3rd,”she said. “A medium bouquet is $15 and a large one is $30.”
Perhaps best of all is the card which will be attached, indicating that the flowers are a gift that will keep on giving and saving lives right here on Gabriola for generations to come.
Think about it. Have you ever had a better way to say Happy Mother’s Day? Call Nancy now - 247-0041 - to order your flowers, which can be picked up at the clinic on Saturday, May 10th, from 9 to 11 am and on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11th, from 9 am to 11 am.
Also at press time, Doris McLaughlin, organizer of the “Clinic Fund Run” told the Sounder that although locals have been slow to pick up pledge forms at the gym, there are indications that folks are getting motivated
“It is essential that people realize that what is far more important is the opportunity to raise funds for the GHCF, rather than the amount of time anyone spends on one of the six cardio machines that will be available for a 12 hour period starting at 7 am,” she said.
Above all, this is meant to be fun, as well as a chance to drop by and check out and see for yourself why so many of your friends and neighbours rave about Lou and Kim Brook’s Gym @Twin Beaches. Donation jars will be available as you tour the wonderful facility and say Hi to everyone involved.
For now, challenge a friend or neighbour, someone in your family or co-worker, for fun. Pick up a pledge form. Call Doris at 247- 7497 for more information. And E-mail brucemason@shaw.ca if you think your challenge is a story that will motivate others.
As well, late last week the Sounder popped by 174 DeCourcy Drive and 1515 Violet Crescent for a sneak peek at what will be one of the biggest and best stories on Gabriola this year, making 2008, the year of the GHCF garage sale.
In both locations, it was obvious that Gabriolans had responded to the call for saleable items in almost overwhelming numbers.
At Lois and Ray Anderson’s lovely waterfront home, three large rooms were overflowing with a cornucopia of treasures awaiting transfer to their expansive yard.
And tucked away in a forest cul-de-sac at Liz and Richard Welsh’s home, a small army of volunteers was pricing items that filled a double garage, with truckloads of more items on their way.
The timing for the fundraisers couldn’t be better and, in fact, was planned that way. But in all the news about negotiations, the significance of the creation of the Foundation may have been somewhat lost in the community.
Director Tracie Der explained: “As a result of receiving charitable status the GHCS can now focus on the business aspect of managing a facility for providing health care for Gabriola, while the Foundation - the GHCF - will be the arm that will raise the funding necessary to establish our permanent clinic.”
She added that the Foundation now has the ability to issue tax receipts - something that has been previously done on our behalf by the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation for a small administrative fee.
Equally important is the new ability for the community to apply for funding from a variety of off-island programs and philanthropic organizations to raise much more money.
“While the Society will deal with operational/managerial issues related to running a health clinic, the Foundation will become the public agency that the community will become most familiar with, and involved in,” Der reported.
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