The money is going towards priority equipment needs. (Humboldt Good Neighbour Store/ Facebook)

By Rachel May

Like a good neighbour

Humboldt Good Neighbour Store inc. donates $150,000 to Humboldt District Hospital Foundation

Dec 8, 2021 | 10:01 AM

Humboldt District Hospital Foundation (HDHF) can tick off items on their Christmas wishlist thanks to Humboldt Good Neighbour Store Inc (GNS).

Dec. 6, HDHF announced they had been presented with a donation of $150,000 from the GNS as part of their annual day of giving.

Lorrie Bunko, Executive Director of the HDHF, said the organization is blown away from the generosity of the GNS.

“To to be able to give this kind of money to organizations is just remarkable and speaks volumes about the organization itself, volunteers and those who support it.”

The organization is putting the donation money towards a list from the Saskatchewan Health Authority outlining priority equipment needs.

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“We are looking at replacing inpatient beds over three years, 10 beds at a time,” Bunko told northeastNOW. “There are obstetric needs and the cardiac equipment campaign will be wrapping up in April 2022.”

Bunko said the hospital is facing a grim reality when it comes to a lack of funding.

“Our needs are in excess of $300,000 for 2022. Donations like this are very important and then we go back to $10 at a time.”

The two organizations have teamed up in previous years. Despite being closed for the majority of last year, in 2020 the GNS gave HDHF a donation of $100,000.

Gwen Saret, Chair of the GNS board, there is a reason why the organization can give as much as they do.

“We have about 150 volunteers and only one paid employee.”

The GNS gave donations to 44 local organizations in their 2021 annual day of giving. Their total donation for this year alone was $370,000 bringing their all-time donation total to $3,827,000.

Organizations in the Humboldt area that need funding can apply for a portion of the donation.

“We get our donations from Humboldt and area, our volunteers from Humboldt and area, so that’s who we give to,” Saret explained. “Keeping local is important to us.”

The organization is always seeking volunteers and donations to ensure they are able to donate more than they did the previous year.

“If you want to volunteer contact our coordinator at the store (306) 682-5502,” Saret added. “We are open Wednesday to Saturday and donations are accepted 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.”

The store is seeking donations of any items people may not have a use for. Items are recommended to be in good used condition.

To find out more about the Humboldt Good Neighbour Store or Humboldt District Hospital Foundation, visit their Facebook pages.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM