The Ponoka and District Health Foundation has received the transfer of funds from Alberta Health Services to Ponoka.
Several years ago, Juanita Knight and Dorothy Ungstad initiated a request to the then-Minister of Health, Gene Zwozdesky, for the establishment of a health foundation and return of monies to Ponoka held by David Thompson Health Region. The funds were initially donated to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre and the Community Health Centre, and then held in trust by Alberta Health Services. After five years establishing the Ponoka and District Health Foundation, the money has been returned to the Ponoka community. Respecting the requests of the original donors, these funds and future funds will be allocated in accordance with local health care priorities.
The Ponoka and District Health Foundation has worked with the Ponoka Hospital Auxiliary to support the endoscopy program at the Ponoka Hospital by providing approximately $45,000 for the purchase of an argon coagulator and narrow band imaging equipment.
The foundation also donated approximately $15,000 to the Kinette Club of Ponoka to help cover the purchase price of a Panda Warmer for the maternity unit at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.
Alberta Health Service appointed 10 residents as trustees for the Ponoka and District Health Foundation: Ada Ashton (co-chair), Dr. Brendan Bunting, Sybil Evans, Jim Hamilton, Jerry Hildebrand, Nell Liddle, Joanne McMillan (co-chair), Howard Rowland (treasurer), Linda Steinmann and Brenda Verheire. Joan Van Wolde is the volunteer secretary.
Donations to the Ponoka and District Health Foundation will be used to fund requests from the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre and the Ponoka Community Health Centre. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.
For more information about the Ponoka and District Health Foundation, contact: 403-704-8329; info@ponokahealthfoundation.com, or www.ponokahealthfoundation.com.
— Submitted