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Lachine staff show they care

Colourful mosaic of Lachine fund-raising highlights staff involvement



Photo on top: Claude Briault is the Site Coordinator for Technical Services at the Lachine Hospital. Middle photo: members of the Lachine Hospital Foundation’s Organizing Committee.  Bottom photo: the Lachine Dragon Boat Team mascot.

  

Each year, hundreds of caring individuals, from staff to members of the community, make a unique contribution to the overall well-being of their hospital. Last year, employees from across the hospital took part in dragon boat races, bake sales, games, a corn roast, and even a hot-dog day, in order to raise funds. Community members made the annual wine and cheese tasting a smashing success. Their enthusiasm and involvement energize this dynamic MUHC site and power its growth. 

Nowhere is staff spirit more evident than in the dragon boat races, an annual event to raise funds for Cedars CanSupport, which provides free psychological, emotional and spiritual support, practical information and financial assistance to MUHC cancer patients and their families. The race takes place in September, and the Lachine Team has the advantage of home waters – the Dragon Boat event is traditionally held on the Lachine Canal. 

“Last year our Lachine Campus Dragon Boat Team raised over $22,000,” says Jocelyne Faille, Administrative Director of the Lachine Campus and member of the team. “Virtually every area of the hospital was represented. People from Housekeeping, Nursing and Technical Services, to name just a few, came out to paddle and raise funds. We turned in a very respectable ninth place finish, and we also won the Team Spirit Award.” 

The dragon boat race was the culmination of a summer-long fund-raising effort for CanSupport. “Many, many people got involved,” says Faille. “We had a blast, and raised a significant amount of money for our palliative care centre.”

Wine and cheese gala more popular than ever

The top fund-raising success of the year was the Lachine Hospital’s annual Wine and Cheese Party, an event which has grown in scope and popularity since it began six years ago. Masterminding the wine and cheese gala was Claude Briault, who is also Site Coordinator for Technical Services at the Lachine Hospital, a member of the Lachine Hospital Foundation’s Organizing Committee and the Lachine Dragon Boat Team mascot.

“The May 2010 event featured California wines and cheeses,” says Briault. “As always, we attracted supporters from Lachine, Dorval, Ville LaSalle – the people who we call ‘the hospital’s family.’ In all, we attracted 400 guests and raised about $55,000 for The Lachine Best Care for Life Campaign.” 

The campaign has now raised $2.1 million of its $3 million target, says Monica McDougall, Interim Director of The Best Care for Life Campaign, Lachine Division. “We’ve received generous donations from corporations, board members and individuals from within the hospital and the community. Events like the wine and cheese tasting are a tremendous boost to the campaign. The key to success is involvement. Each individual makes a difference.” 

“We all benefit from being involved with the Foundation and with fund-raising,” agrees Briault. “Taking part in these activities gives us significant opportunities to support our hospital and our community. It’s important to participate.”