Lifesavers Dinner and Auction Raises $420,000 for LWDH: Community Unites to Enhance Healthcare Close to Home
Kenora (Ontario) – August 12, 2024
The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (LWDHF) is proud to announce the tremendous success of Lifesavers Week 2024, which culminated in the 18th edition of the Lifesavers Dinner and Auction. This week-long celebration brought the community together in a shared commitment to supporting and enhancing healthcare at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, raising an impressive $420,000.
Lifesavers Week kicked off with the “Wheelhouse on the Water” Event
Lifesavers Week kicked off on a high note with “Wheelhouse on the Water” lead by motivators of Wheelhouse Cycle Club Winnipeg on August 5th. Cycling enthusiasts gathered for a series of energizes rides generously hosted on the docks of a gracious LWDH Foundation Supporter, overlooking Lake of the Woods. This event and the set the tone for a week of philanthropy, community, and dedication to healthcare excellence.
Celebrating the Generosity of Our Lighthouse Families
On August 7th, the generosity of our 30 Lighthouse Families was celebrated at an exclusive cocktail party graciously hosted by the Douglas Family. The evening featured insightful presentations from guest speakers Jon Hensrud and Jenna Mattson from the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC), and Dr. Laurel Snyder, LWDH Emergency Department Service Lead. They provided valuable information on emergency response at the lake, underscoring the importance of the vast geography covered by healthcare services in Northwestern Ontario.
This event was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the efforts of our volunteer servers: Callia Newall, Natalie Douglas, Rosie Bowles, Tory Rankin, Abby Lus and Molly Hendy. Their dedication and service contributed significantly to the evening’s atmosphere and success. Additionally, our “Boat Boys” – Jack Douglas, Charlie Wilson, Kingsley Parkhill, and Luke Andersson – played an essential role in ensuring smooth operations throughout the event. Remarkably, many of these young volunteers have been contributing their time and energy for five years, exemplifying the spirit of service that defines our community.
The Lifesavers Dinner and Auction: A Grand Finale
Lifesavers Week culminated in the highly anticipated Lifesavers Dinner and Auction on August 10th at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. The event drew over 160 guests and dignitaries, who gathered to celebrate and support healthcare at LWDH. The evening featured a lively cocktail hour, a gourmet three-course meal prepared by Chef Rob Thomas, and both live and silent auctions. Among the auction items were unique experiences such as a “sparkle-hour” Plein Air session, a fishing trip with Bassmaster Champion Jeff Gustafson, and a Brew Co beer tasting at your dock.
Funds raised from the event will be directed towards the purchase of essential medical equipment for LWDH, including:
- Patient Lift Replacement throughout the hospital (Physio – Entire Hospital)
- 4 Hospital beds & Mattresses (3E)
- ECT Equipment (Mental Health)
- ECG Machine (Diagnostic Imaging)
- Probes for Ultrasound (Diagnostic Imaging)
- Electrosurgical Cautery Unit (Ambulatory Programs)
- Automated Tissue Cassette Printer (Laboratory)
- Central Line Sim Manikin (Education)
Any additional funds will be directed towards the purchase of a new state-of-the-art Mammography Unit.
Dr. Sean Moore, Chief of Staff at LWDH, delivered a keynote address on “Recognizing Our Community’s Needs and Responding,” highlighting the critical role of community involvement in enhancing patient care. Master of Ceremonies Catherine Konantz and Live Auctioneer Don Konantz infused the evening with energy and excitement, making the auction a spirited affair. The Whistle Raffle featured a Yamaha Moro 7 E-bike donated by WSL Sport & Leisure and Tall Pines Marina. Many thanks to the five whistle raffle sellers who’s enthusiasm and passion ensured all 120 whistles were sold.
“The continued success of Lifesavers Week and the Lifesavers Dinner and Auction is a powerful testament to our community’s unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare close to home,” said Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director of LWDHF. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in making this week possible, from our dedicated Lighthouse Families and anchor donors to our volunteers, attendees, sponsors, auction donors, and the Lifesavers Committee.”
A Special Thanks to the Lifesavers Committee
This extraordinary week would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the Lifesavers Committee, co-chaired by Lisa Paterson and Aynsley Cockshott. Special thanks to the committee; Kate Paterson, Dr. Catherine Murray, Melissa Jean, Kevin Chipman, Kathy Devins and Nicki Douglas. Their leadership, vision, and passion for our hospital’s mission were instrumental in orchestrating a series of successful events that will have a lasting impact on healthcare in our community.
Lifesavers Week 2024 stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of a shared goal. The funds raised will allow the Lake of the Woods District Hospital to continue providing state-of-the-art care, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.
Lighthouse Families: Don & Rhoda Beasant, Mark & CariLyn Buller, Jim Borger and Family, Grant & Aynsley Cockshott and Family, The Bryce and Nicki Douglas Family, Guy and Lou Goodwin, David and Ingrid Graves, The Heimbecker Family, The Paul and Carol Hill Family, Chris & Pam Hodgson, Larry and Carolyn Hursh, Bruce Klassen & Karen Dunlop, Kevin and Deneen Klippenstein, Dr. Catherine Murray and Matthew Johnson, Dr. Ken and Judy Murray, Bill and Theresa Parrish, Andrew Paterson and Family, Shane and Kate Paterson, Gerry and Barb Price, Bob and Marnie Puchniak, Robert & Penny Richards, Beverley Richardson, Jim and Leney Richardson, Hartley and Heather Richardson, Sandy and Debbie Riley and Family, Ross and Allana Robinson, Rod and Jeannie Senft, Brian and Jennifer Thiessen, Graeme and Sara Thomson, Arni Thorsteinson and Susan Glass.