NCHCF Chair Peggy George addresses the crowd at the Melfort Heliport fundraising campaign launch (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Heliport fundraiser launch

‘It will save a life. Maybe even your own’: Melfort Heliport fundraiser officially launched

Jan 15, 2020 | 3:32 PM

The fundraising campaign for the new heliport in Melfort is off to a flying start.

The official launch of the North Central Health Care Foundation (NCHCF) Melfort Hospital Heliport Fundraising Campaign was held Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Even though the fundraiser was just launched, $468,000 has already been raised toward their $600,000 goal.

Fundrasing Committee Chair Rod Gantefoer. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

NCHCF Chair Peggy George said the start has been fabulous, but they need to be this far along if they are to begin construction on the heliport this spring, as planned.

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The City of Melfort stipulated 100 per cent of the funds raised for the heliport need to be in place before shovels go into the ground.

George said she draws inspiration for another local health improvement.

“To see the Wellness Centre built really gives me faith in the community that they want this area to grow,” George said. “It’s awesome that the [local Rural Municipalities] are getting involved, I think it’s very important. Whether you live out in the country or you live just down the street, we’re all in this together.”

She said it’s important to support local health initiatives.

STARS success story

One of the presenters at the launch on Wednesday was Debbie Sochaski.

She told her story about her life being saved by the quick response of the STARS Air Ambulance, and the importance of having that option as quickly as possible.

Sochaski was camping at Nipawin Regional Park in 2016 when an infection from previous open heart surgery threatened her life.

Debbie was suffering from sepsis and was transported to Nipawin Hospital. Soon after, she was taking the 51 minute ride via STARS to hospital in Saskatoon.

“STARS means that my family still has me,” Sochaski said.

She said the doctor told her husband at the hospital that she wouldn’t have survived the trip to Saskatoon without STARS.

Debbie Sochaski tells her story about how STARS saved her life. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

Sochaski encouraged people to donate to the heliport fundraiser.

“Do your part for STARS,” Sochaski said. “Do what you can, it will save a life. Maybe even your own.”

Ag Com Transport is sponsoring an online 50/50 lotto to help the fundraiser, and the draw will be held at the Melfort Mustangs game Feb. 29.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority will maintain the heliport once it is built just east of the Melfort Hospital.

Plans for the Melfort Hospital Heliport are shown at Wednesday’s launch. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

You can donate or purchase a 50/50 ticket here.

–with files from Mat Barrett

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974