Most people have good and kind days. But for some, the kindness they show goes above and beyond, often not being recognized. That was the reason behind the annual Honour Gala, raising funds for Ste. Anne Hospital.
Marc Charrière is the Executive Director of the Ste. Anne Hospital Fund. He says this year they are honouring Sister Irène’s remarkable contributions.
“Sister Irène Rioux was in Ste. Anne for just over 20 years,” explains Charrière. “She was in charge of spiritual care for the residents at the Villa Youville and for the hospital. So the Gala is going to be honouring everything that she's done for the community and especially for the hospital and the Villa. Not only did she take care of the spiritual care of the residents and the patients and their families, but she's also an LPN, so she was able to help the nurses by assisting them with patients.”
Charrière says Sister Irène’s care was deeply appreciated by all the many families whose lives she touched.
“Even in the obituaries, her name would come up often, thanking her for everything she did for the patients and for their families.”
Honouring a valuable community contributor in this way went very well last year, explains Charrière.
“It was a real success, considering that before that we hadn’t had any for five years – so we were able to raise just over $20,000.”
These funds are vital to the hospital’s operations, says Charrière – covering any needs of the hospital that are not covered under Manitoba Health.
“For example, we maintain the heliport on a regular basis to the standards of Transport Canada. We purchased a video processor that was needed for scope surgeries. We bought activity kits for some of our long-term patients. Things like that.”
The Ste. Anne Hospital Fund is also trying to build up the general fund in the event of an expansion or major renovation.
The Gala banquet will feature a dinner, serving guest’s choice of prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, or vegetarian pasta primavera. There will be wine on all the tables, live music from a three-piece ensemble, and comedy entertainment.
There will also be a wine pull, which Charrière explains is like a wine draw for people who want to try their luck at winning a very expensive bottle of wine.
The Second Annual Honour Gala will be taking place Saturday, April 26th at the Niverville Heritage Centre, beginning with cocktails at 6pm, followed by dinner at 7pm.
Tickets are $150 each, available now until the end of the day tomorrow, April 10th – online at www.fondshopitalsteanne.ca/gala.
With your ticket purchase you will receive a partial income tax receipt. On the website there is also an opportunity to become a sponsor for this special event.
You can also purchase tickets by calling Charrière directly at 204-392-3971.
