This past Monday, Nov. 4, Portage la Prairie Member of the Legislative Assembly Jeff Bereza presented a private member's statement honouring the Portage District General Hospital Foundation. The MLA referenced the longstanding local charity, noting its high regard among donors, healthcare staff, and citizens of the Portage la Prairie region.
"The Foundation’s mission since 1986 has been to “strive to enhance, enrich, and maintain a high-level quality of healthcare, and they have done just that. Over the years, this organization has funded invaluable projects including a heliport, gamma knife, renovations to the labour and delivery room and the cafeteria, new stretchers and vital sign monitors, bassinets, and the list goes on."
Bereza added the foundation also operates two bursaries to promote and support professional development for medical staff: Roberta’s Dream Bursary, started in 2004, and the Dr. Michelle Bailes Bursary, created in 2019.
"Over 50 bursaries have been given away and over $100,000 awarded to local medical staff. The foundation was especially pleased to make a capital contribution of $3M just this year to the new Portage Regional Healthcare Facility currently under construction. It has also made a historic commitment of $5M toward an MRI scanner in the new facility, thanks to the ongoing generous contributions of local donors who strongly believe in the importance of accessing healthcare close to home."
The MLA paid special tribute to Portage District General Hospital Foundation Executive Director Tara Pettinger, noting her outstanding efforts, including organizing another sold-out fundraising gala this past week. He also honoured longtime board members Jill Verwey and Roy Tufford.
"Please join me in thanking the Portage District General Hospital Foundation for their almost FOUR decades of “enhancing and enriching” healthcare in our community and beyond," adds Bereza.