2024 will go down as an important year for the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation as the work continues to bring a new long-term care facility to Humboldt.
Donna Muench, Executive Director of the Foundation, reflected on the success of the year. "Definitely the highlight this year is that we've surpassed our first $1,000,000 raised for the equipment and furnishings for the new long-term care home," Muench said. "This has been accomplished through a series of fundraisers and the incredible generosity of our community."
Throughout 2024, the foundation hosted several successful fundraising initiatives, including their annual walk in June, a fashion show in partnership with Cottage Boutique, and the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign. In addition to these events, individuals, businesses, and organizations from Humboldt and surrounding areas made significant contributions.
"We're currently raising approximately $5 million to cover the costs for the new long-term care home and also to support the daily needs of the current long-term care home," Muench explained. "The community has truly stepped up when we've needed extra funds. This year, we also ran a gift card fundraising campaign and received numerous donations that allowed us to make important purchases."
Among the key items purchased this year were a sit-to-stand lift, two Broda chairs, horticultural materials for the courtyard, and two tub chair lifts. The foundation continues to fundraise for a third tub chair lift, and a significant donation has been made to the recreation department, ensuring that residents will enjoy an enriched quality of life for years to come.
"The support we’ve received this year has been nothing short of amazing," Muench said. "It really takes many villages, towns, and cities—to assist the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation in meeting its needs. We're also incredibly grateful for our wonderful staff, who play a key role in our fundraising efforts year after year."
Looking ahead, the foundation remains focused on raising the additional funding needed to complete the new long-term care home. "Our goal is to quickly raise the remaining funds so that we can move forward with the official announcement from the government," Muench shared. "We're heading toward the $2 million mark and are optimistic that we'll reach our goal sooner than expected."
As 2024 comes to a close, Muench, along with the board of directors, extended their best wishes for the holidays. "On behalf of everyone at the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation, we want to wish our community a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the best in the coming year."
The St. Mary’s Villa Foundation continues to be a pillar of support for the seniors in the Humboldt area, and with the ongoing dedication of staff and the generous backing of the community, the foundation is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal.