By Richard Bell
“You have no idea how many people don’t know there even is a Twin Oaks/Birches Health Care Charitable Foundation,” said Kim Young, the charity’s treasurer. The Foundation will be holding its annual get together for residents of Twin Oaks on December 9th.
The Foundation started in the 1990s, and has been raising money to support the hospital and the nursing home. “We don’t do bricks and mortar,” Young explained, “We’ve bought equipment, furniture, anything that enhances the lives of people at the facilities. We’re engaged in a beautification program at the Birches right now.”
The Foundation also funds the $1,000 Harland Dukes bursary award to students. The award honours the memory of the late board member. Last year, there were three $1,000 awards. Interested students can get an application at the school guidance office. Students don’t necessarily have to be planning to go into health care.
Over the years, the Foundation has raised money in a variety of ways over the years, including a golf tournament and a spring gala. They are planning a Trivia night at the Porters Lake Pub this spring, which attracts a new generation of supporters.
And there’s the main event, the No Supper Supper. “There used to be a regular hospital supper, where people would bring in food and desserts,” Young said. “But then food care regulations got so complicated, we decided that it would be simpler to ask people to contribute, instead of bringing in a salad or a pie.”
The Foundation also has a memorial wall in the hospital. Names go on the wall for anyone whose loved ones make a donation of $200 or more to the Foundation.
For more information, check out the Foundation’s website and Facebook page.