Fundraising
The Calgary Health Trust fundraises for excellence in health care. At Carewest, this means funding new and innovative programs, leading-edge technology and adding to the quality of life of residents and clients (see Quality of Life Terms of Reference).
While Carewest receives funding from Alberta Health Services, this support only covers clinical care. The Calgary Health Trust is currently focused on raising funds for several different programs and projects, including services to enhance the quality of life for our residents and clients.
At each Carewest site, the benefits of donations and the spirit of philanthropy is evident. Much of the Trust's success can be attributed to the efforts of our volunteers and of our staff, who work diligently to connect donors to the areas within Carewest that matter to them most.
Donors play a significant role in supporting leading-edge equipment such asfixed-ceiling and portable-floor lifts and electric beds. In fact, thanks to a multi-year fundraising campaign and the generosity of donors, every manual bed throughout the organization has been replaced with an electric one - adding comfort and safety for staff and independence and dignity for residents and clients.
Beyond the need for vital equipment needs, less tangible needs - such as a comfortable environment, a special meal or a sense of joy - can also be attained through donations. A visit to the Beaver Wood Workshop at Carewest at Dr. Vernon Fanning illustrates the impact of donations on each resident's quality of life.
A few leftover spindles. A block of oak. A refurbished power tool. A dozen hours of time. All are gratefully accepted - and put to good use - by the woodworking program. Each week, about 65 residents with physical or cognitive disabilities attend the program, creating items that can be as small as a jewelry box or as big as a table. The woodworking program is one of several quality of life programs Carewest offers its residents; others include music, horticulture and art therapy. These programs give participants a sense of purpose, pride and accomplishment. They are the spice of life - and they owe their existence to donors and volunteers.
Through its dedicated efforts, the Trust raises funds and works with community partners to provide additional resources that enrich the lives of those cared for by Carewest.
Other items at Carewest made possible through donations include buses, homelike furnishings, equipment such as blanket warmers and commodes, field trips and special events - all of which take Carewest's environment of compassion and caring one step further.
We invite your gifts. To make a donation or for further information on priority needs of Carewest, please call Calgary Health Trust at (403) 943-0615 or print out this form.
"No one has ever become poor by giving." -- Anne Frank
