The Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital will soon be able to provide better neonatal services for newborn infants thanks to a generous donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
The foundation donated $38,000 to help equip the women’s health unit during a presentation on Feb. 15. Named after Sandra Schmirler, the Olympic, national and provincial curler from Saskatchewan, the foundation provides funding for equipment that enhances neonatal services at hospitals across Canada.
The foundation attends every Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling championship and conducts a telethon to raise money.
“It’s (the Scotties) such a tremendous event to have in our community … and working with the Sandra Schmirler Foundation is an absolute treasure,” said Kelly McElree, executive director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.
The donation will allow medical professionals in Moose Jaw to provide the best possible care for newborn babies from the community and area, he continued. The hospital will be able to add a new infant incubator, a neonatal SiPAP to help babies breathe, and a neonatal blanket.
These items would not have been possible without the foundation’s generosity, McElree said. The foundation’s support is tremendous, especially since it has helped many hospitals across Canada. He pointed out the curling championship is all about heart and community, while curlers are caring people.
“It’s a treasure to have the event come here and benefit the community as well. It leaves a lasting impression (and) truly leaves a legacy … we’re just so thrilled with the support we’ve gotten,” he added.
This is the second time the foundation has supported the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, said McElree. The first time was in support of the former Union Hospital and the capital campaign to build the new hospital. He was able to give members of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation a tour of the new hospital recently.
“It’s very cool,” he added.
To help present the cheque on behalf of the foundation were Sara and Jenna England, daughters of the late Schmirler.
“It’s kind of shocking just seeing that number on a cheque. You hear it, but just seeing it printed is a whole other level,” said Sara, 22. “It’s just an honour to be even a part of it and in any kind of little way that we are. Just being here is a great experience.”
It’s great to see the effect Schmirler had on people and to see her legacy continue on across the country, Sara continued. It’s also exciting to learn how much Schmirler meant to her home province of Saskatchewan.
“I would love to see (the foundation) not end,” said Jenna, 20. “Our mom had such an impact on so many people and is continuing to have an impact on people. That’s how we’re getting to raise so much money for such a great cause. I don’t ever want to see it end. I want to have her strength and her spirit still around and by this foundation it’s definitely doing that.”
The foundation’s efforts have not slowed down across the country, even though it has been 20 years since Schmirler’s death, said Sara. Every year the organization raises higher and higher totals, and this year, since the Scotties is in Moose Jaw, just down the road from Schmirler’s hometown of Regina, both girls hoped to see as much money raised as possible from the telethon.
By the end of the telethon on Feb. 16, a new record of $450,500 had been raised.
Visit the Sandra Schmirler Foundation online for more information.
- With files from Randy Palmer
