Renovations under way in Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital’s emergency department have gotten one big step closer to being fully funded, thanks to a gift of $250,000 from the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary. The designated gift will go towards the purchase of new equipment and medical grade furnishings required for the project.
With this agreement, Sechelt Hospital Foundation’s fundraising campaign is now well on its way to reaching its commitment of funding $2.05 million of the $3.05 million required to complete the emergency department renovation project by the end of summer 2024.
Once complete, the renovations will transform the space within the existing hospital footprint to improve both staff and patient safety and privacy. Specifically, it will add new dedicated spaces for patient mental health assessment, private triage, a family room, new waiting area within the department, dedicated bathrooms, a new security office, and three new treatment spaces.
“When we ask donors to support the ‘area of greatest need,’ our community trusts that their contributions will make a measurable difference,” said Jane Macdonald, executive director at Sechelt Hospital Foundation. “That is why the Hospital Foundation is applying ALL annual and major gifts received in 2023 to support the one department everyone needs: Emergency.”
“The Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary and its members are pleased to join the fundraising efforts to renovate the Emergency Department at Sechelt Hospital,” stated Anne Selder, CEO of Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary. “Thanks to volunteer efforts and record sales at our Thrift Store and Hospital Gift Shop, we are happy to see our proceeds go to deliver care for the Coast.”
In addition, starting March 30 and ending April 11, the two organizations have teamed up to host a massive online art auction to further support the renovation project. From the halls of Totem Lodge, Shorncliffe Care Home and Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital, The Hospital He(ART) Sale will offer 77 beloved artworks, many of them originals, to the highest bidder. Each piece is set at an affordable starting bid, with a mix of pieces across a range of art styles to suit many tastes.
To view the collection, visit www.32auctions.com/hospitalheARTsale and register to place a bid starting March 30 (it’s free and easy). All proceeds will go directly towards the emergency department renovations. Take a home a piece of our local art history, and help build the future of healthcare on the Coast!
For more information on the Emergency Department renovations, The Hospital He(ART) Sale or to make a donation to support the Emergency Department, visit www.sechelthospitalfoundation.com.
