I am posting this message to raise awareness and invite support for a project that will benefit families who must find accommodation in Winnipeg when receiving medical treatment (cancer or other), unavailable in Brandon and rural settings.
Two oncology nurses, Joanne Loughery, Patricia Benjaminson, and a patient volunteer, Greg Pilgrim, founded A Port in the Storm Inc. They recognized the need of rural and northern adult patients to stay in a home-like environment while receiving medical care in Winnipeg. A young single mother was the inspiration for the idea. Her ordeal during extensive treatment at the Health Science Centre was compounded by the necessary separation from her young son. This young mom is no longer with us but her hope was to provide a place for other patients and their families.
Port in the Storm has done a feasibility study and is working towards building a 6.4 million dollar facility. This facility will have forty rooms with private bathrooms.
Each room will have two queen-sized beds and families are welcome to stay. There will be a communal kitchen and lounge area.
Please take a moment to check out this story and the project at the following site.
http://aportinthestorm.ca/ Our provincial board member for Minnedosa and surrounding area is Heather Emerson- Proven.
Two exciting fundraisers in support of the project have been planned. This is an excerpt from our lottery flyer, “With your Ticket purchase, you will not only be supporting rural families, you will also have the chance for this unique prize winning package!
A 5-course dinner for 6 prepared and served in a heritage home on the edge of the beautiful Minnedosa Valley. Includes a 1-night stay for 6 at the nearby Fairmount Bed and Breakfast. Draw date Friday, March 26, 2010 (winner will choose the dinner date and menu) $25 a ticket or 3/$50)
Local supporters of the project have donated the venue and food for the dinner and Fairmount Bed and Breakfast has donated the accommodation.
Our second fundraiser is sponsored by our local Lion’s Club. A member has been receiving pledges per pound for a weight loss commitment and has been officially weighed in at a local meeting.
For more information or if you wish to support this cause, please send a message to Sheila at srobrien@westman.wave.ca