FASHIONShow 2010

Generously sponsored by Sears Scarborough Town Centre, Toronto Community News and the Momiji Centre, the Foundation's second annual FASHIONShow rocked the runway on November 7, showcasing style trends and supporting Rouge Valley Centenary.

FASHIONShow 2010 was held at the Momiji Centre in Scarborough and included wine, a complimentary gift bag filled with goodies, draws, a silent auction, and fashions by Sears modeled by RVHS staff and family. The Wardrobe Doctor Marilyn Wetston, was the event mistress of ceremonies.

Special thanks to all the models and volunteers, and especially event chair Yvonne Snider.

Photos from the FASHIONShow can be viewed online at our Photo Gallery.

Breaking bread and barriers

On October 29, 45 school principals, social workers and administrators from the Toronto Catholic District School Board attended a luncheon served by Centennial College's School of Hospitality students and hosted by Rouge Valley Health System Foundation.

Julie Kish, Manager of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Program at the Shoniker Clinic discussed mental health issues that are prevalent in our schools. Julie's presentation focused on identifying the resources available in the community and the importance of early detection of the signs and symptoms of students dealing with mental health issues.

Dan Koenig, of TCDSB Curriculum & Accountability Program and the Buy a Bed Committee along with Superintendent Geoff Grant both spoke on their strong support of this collaborative partnership.

Rouge Valley Centenary's Buy a Bed campaign co-chairs Paul and Janet Ainslie spoke about the campaign and gave ideas on how teachers and students can become involved in fundraising for their local hospitals, using fun activities such as bed races and pajama parties.

Finding support for both schools and hospitals reinforces the Board's mandate of creating partnerships for safe, caring, and healthy schools.

West Rouge Community Day Festival

West Rouge knows how to throw a party. This year the 17th annual West Rouge Family Day coincided with the 50th anniversary of the West Rouge Sports and Recreation Association.

To celebrate, they invited the community to come out on Saturday September 18 to the West Rouge Community Centre for a day of live music, dance performances, a reptile show and games and activities for children. After all that excitement, big appetites gave way to an even bigger feast with snacks and a BBQ.

Taking the opportunity to promote Rouge Valley Centenary, the Foundation, and Buy a Bed Campaign were Buy a Bed Committee members Bonnie Hughson and Millie Tavener, Foundation Board members Gord and Ann Moore, Community Fundraising Committee member Shiv Bansal and volunteers Derek Dodd, Susan Hanna and Nitesh Lal.

We were excited to share this milestone with our local community.

(L-R) Ros Sagar-Lal, RVHSF Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer, Bonnie Hughson, RVC Volunteer Services Coordinator, Carole Chabot, RVHSF Vice President, Development

Walk This Way with heart

Business suits and running shoes were the track uniforms on Friday, September 17, when Rouge Valley Centenary hosted Walk this Way, an event to officially launch the newly-rubberized cardiac rehabilitation track. The track's new coating was one of many enhancements made possible thanks to contributions from the annual Walk with Heart walkathon.

Walk this Way opened with speeches from those who were both on the track and behind it, sharing their stories of how they became involved and why they remain committed to its services. Speaking on behalf of RVHS and the cardiac care program were Jay Kaufman, board chair; Bernard Johnson, manager of cardiac diagnostics and cardiac rehabilitation; Dr. Joseph Ricci, medical director of cardiac services; and Bryna Rabishaw, program director of cardiac and critical care programs. Community leaders voiced their encouragement. John McKay, MP, Scarborough-Guildwood; Margarett Best, MPP, Scarborough-Guildwood and Minister of Health Promotion and Sports, and Toronto city councillors Paul Ainslie and Ron Moeser congratulated the hospital and the program on this investment for a healthy community.

Thanks to everyone who came to the event, supported the program, volunteered or directed its enhancements over the years. Knowing they have your support makes each step easier for our patients.

To see more photos from this event, click here.

Patient pays it forward

In 2000 Brian Kelly suffered a major heart attack while at a curling game in Scarborough. He was rushed to Rouge Valley Centenary for treatement, launching his relationship with the Cardiac Rehab program.

After graduating from the program as a patient, Brian was asked to volunteer and has been doing so ever since, for almost ten years.

"I was scared and thought I was the only one with heart problems," says Brian. "But I soon learned that I was surrounded by people with the same experience. There's a comfort that comes from knowing you're not alone in your illness."

Joining the team of volunteers who had helped him through his illness proved to be a natural fit. Today, he hopes to pass on some of the strength he has received to others.

Scarborough Fair residents BBQ for beds

On August 21, residents of the Scarborough Fair Condominiums opened their wallets and waistlines to support the Rouge Valley Centenary Buy a Bed campaign.

Lucy Perri, President of Scarbrough Fair Condominiums organized the community BBQ where she encouraged guests to open their doors to share food and friendship. As the celebrations ended, over $2,000 had been raised for the campaign.

Thanks to the generous donations of staff, the community and volunteer services, the Buy a Bed campaign has funded 40 beds towards its 100-bed goal. Through the continued support of third-party events like the BBQ, you can propel our campaign forward to restore comfort and health, one bed at a time.

(L-R) Katherine Craine, RVHS Foundation, Lucy Perri, and Councillor Michael Thompson, Ward 37, Scarborough.

Emergency experience a blessing for one mother and daughter

When Edie Pinder visited Rouge Valley Centenary's emergency department with her mother Joan Henry in April and May of this year, they were both under stress. At a time when navigating the health care system can be overwhelming, finding a liaison for the process is like a sigh of relief.

Thanks to the expertise and humanity of Emergency Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Clara Tsang, mother and daughter could relax in her care.

Edie and Joan shared their appreciation in a letter to Clara, saying "You are remembered with gratitude for your professionalism, warm manner and clarity in laying out the process Mum would be going through."

Thanks to all the staff who have been liaisons for patients during such emotional and stressful times.

Rubini Customer Appreciation Day

On Saturday August 29, owner Kula Kulasingam opened the doors of Rubini East and West Indian Food Market to his local community.

In recognition of the neighbourhood that had supported him and his family through the years, Kula decided to give back. The celebration raised $6,000 for the Rouge Valley Centenary Buy a Bed campaign.

"Our children were born at Centenary and we have needed the hospital in other ways over the years," says Kula. "We felt it was time to give back to the same hospital that has looked after us."

Finding support through community partnerships has been an exciting way to grow together. Every person has a story to tell and a reason to give.

(L-R) Richard Newman, Rasandrakumar Kanagasabi, Katherine Craine, Director, Major Gifts and Special Campaigns at RVC, Thiruchelvam Raj, Kulasingam Selliah and Kennedy Phillip.

Former Board member slows down for support

Living life in the fast lane had become routine for former Foundation board member Nestor Cruz. Even after stepping down in 2007 from four years on the board, Nestor's professional life was still extremely busy. Encouraged by his friend and fellow board member Liz Ryan, Nestor took some time to relax and reacquaint himself with the Rouge Valley Health System cause at the 2010 Golf Classic.

"The Buy a Bed cause seemed so worthy of donating." says Nestor. "But seeing my former colleagues on the board like Jim Ward and Liz Ryan reminded me of the need to support not only causes but the volunteers who take on the challenging mantle of fund raising leadership."

Being able to support a worthy cause and support the community leaders and volunteers made the decision to donate $5,000 to buy a bed, an easy one.

"If I can't spend the time to raise money for our community," says Nestor "I can at least support those that do."

If you're interested in supporting our community leaders and becoming involved in the Buy a Bed campaign, please contact Katherine Craine at 416-281-7119.

Amazing volunteer support for Free Family Fun Day at the Races

A special thank you to all the volunteers who came out and supported the Free Family Fun Day at the Races. All their hard work made the day a success! It was a family day even for the volunteers. The owners of event sponsor L an D Mowing (pictured above), a family-run business, volunteered alongside their children. Monique Vavala from the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario and her daughter sold tickets at the raffle booth.

The success of an event depends on the support of volunteers. Without your support, these achievements would not be possible!

Photo by Jennifer Collins

When an image is everything

In February 2009, Bill Manners' MRI diagnosis confirmed brain cancer. The image of four tumours enabled doctor's to begin treatment to save his life.

"Having an MRI makes a big difference in your life when you have cancer," says Bill. "It's the true gauge of your progress and having an excellent result can be a great emotional boost."

Bill's experience inspired him to create a charity golf tournament, and this year he has generously chosen to donate half the proceeds from September's tourney to our "Image is Everything" MRI Campaign. Living across the street from RVAP and unable to drive, Bill agrees that it's a must for his local community hospital.

"Someone in your family is going to need it. We've got to have it."

To find more details about his tournament, click here.

Bill with daughter Amy at last Sunday's Free Family Fun Day at the Races.
Photo by Kerry McLeish

New Legacy of Care Society to honour planned giving donors

The Legacy of Care Society has been created to acknowledge the generosity of steadfast donors with a number of exclusive benefits. If YOU have designated a bequest, life insurance or charitable annuity, please contact Carole Chabot, VP Development, at 416-281-7462. We'll send you a special invitation to join us next month at the inauguration of the Legacy of Care Society honouring our Planned Giving donors.

Stayin' Alive with Culture at the Guild Inn

On August 7 and 8, 2010, The Guild Alive with Culture welcomed community members to come and enjoy a weekend of arts and entertainment in the beautiful Guild Inn Gardens in Scarborough. Not to be out-sung by their local community, volunteers came out to promote the hospital, the Foundation and the Rouge Valley Centenary Buy a Bed campaign. Volunteers in attendance included Emily Moorhouse, Derek Dodd, Joanne Moffitt, Millie Tavener, Bonnie Hughson, Lorraine Walker, Nitesh Lal, Ann Moore, Yvonne Snider, Susan Hanna, Jim Ward, Janet Ainslie and Festival Chair Councillor Paul Ainslie. Thank you to the community who donated to our coin boxes placed at our booth!

Photos from the weekend can be viewed online on our Photo Gallery.

(L-R) RVHSF Chair Jim Ward, Susan Hanna, RVHSF President Chad Hanna and Buy a Bed campaign Co-Chair Paul Ainslie. Photo by Ros Sagar-Lal

20th Annual Golf Classic a Hole-in-One

Thank you to all of the golfers and volunteers who donated with as much passion as they played during the 20th Annual Golf Classic on August 5, 2010. The event raised $30,000 for our Rouge Valley Centenary Buy a Bed campaign, through sponsor and individual donations.

Toronto City Councillor and campaign Co-Chair Paul Ainslie spoke during the dinner on the importance of restoring comfort and health, one bed at a time. "If you find yourself needing hospital services, it's crucial that the bed helps to provide that care and comfort during your visit." And after such a long and satisfying day, it's no doubt that everyone in attendance knew just how important a bed can be.

Photos from the tournament can be viewed online on our Photo Gallery.

Paul Ainslie (far left) and Jim Ward, RVHSF Chair (far right) are joined by the sponsors to present the big cheque. Photo by Kerry McLeish

FASHIONShow 2010 - Get your tickets today!

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Former hospital Board member buys a bed in memory of parents

For Ross Deebank, RVHS hospital Board member from June 2007 to June 2010, buying a bed was a perfect way to honour his parents' memory.

"We decided to buy a bed in memory of our parents as both had been patients at Rouge Valley Health System and were treated so well, in facilities supported by past donations and volunteers," says Ross. "So buying a new bed to help future patients seemed to make sense and something our Mom and Dad would have been proud of."

The donated bed in memory of Christopher and Margaret Deebank will share the same gift of comfort and care for future patients. Thanks to the generous donation from Ross and Doris, the Buy a Bed campaign is one bed closer to restoring comfort and health for the patients of Rouge Valley Centenary.

McHappy Day donation to Buy a Bed campaign

On Tuesday, Dale Bartlett, Owner/Operator of 5 McDonald's franchises along with Terri Toms, Owner/Operator of the Kingston/ Lawrence and Morningside Walmart franchises, presented cheques to the Foundation totaling $8,739. The proceeds were raised during McHappy Day held on May 5th. Both Dale and Terri are still fundraising for our Rouge Valley Centenary Buy a Bed campaign, and their total funds will help purchase a number of new hospital beds.

Photos of the cheque presentations can be viewed online on our Photo Gallery.

(L-R) Chad Hanna, President, RVHS Foundation; Councillor Paul Ainslie, campaign Co-Chair; Sandy Bartlett; Terri Toms; McDonald's Staff Demetrio Cortes and Clarita Villamejor; and Dale Bartlett. Photo by Katherine Craine

Promoting the hospital with award-winning communications

RVHS public affairs and RVHS Foundation have together won a total of three 2010 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.

The awards won by the public affairs team were in the following categories:
* One to Two Person-produced Newsletters for Echo (Akilah Dressekie and Nicholas Smith)
* Blogs, Forums & Wikis for the RVHS President's Blog (CEO Rik Ganderton)

The award won by the RVHS Foundation was in the following category:
* Blogs, Forums & Wikis for Foundation Chat (Kerry McLeish)

"Our collective thanks to the staff, physicians, volunteers and management of Rouge Valley for giving us something compelling to write about in our communications. In that regard, the awards recognize the terrific work our hospital does from the front line to senior management," comments David Brazeau, RVHS director of public affairs and community relations.

Legacy of Care Society recognizes an inaugural member

Each year, the Foundation is the grateful recipient of bequests and other realized planned gifts. However, we often have not been given prior notice of the donor's intent and only learn of their generosity when it is too late to thank them properly.

In order to recognize and thank, during their lifetimes, the remarkable donors who designate bequests and other deferred gifts to the Foundation, the Legacy of Care Society has been created.

This Society will be officially launched in September at a reception, but we celebrated the founding of the Society by presenting a membership pin to Janet Ecker, one of the Legacy of Care Society's inaugural members, at the RVHS AGM in June, 2010. Janet has been an active spokesperson and champion for the Foundation's legacy giving program.

"The Foundation would like to thank Janet for agreeing to speak publicly about her decision to remember RVHS in her will," said Chair Jim Ward.

If you have included Rouge Valley in your will, or have made another type of planned gift to the Foundation, please contact Carole Chabot, VP Development, so that you can be recognized for your generosity and included in Legacy of Care Society invitations.

RELATED LINKS
Planned Giving brochure (PDF 120 Kb)

(L-R) Janet accepts the pin from Jim. Photo by William Meijer

Memorial tourney supports RVC

Proceeds from the 2nd Annual Dr. Craig Jones Memorial Golf Tournament held on June 28, 2010, will support nursing education and will help purchase surgical and orthopaedic equipment for the Rouge Valley Centenary hospital campus. The rain held off, so the golfers had a great day, and Craig's sister Katrina Carpenter delivered a very moving speech about her memories of her brother and his desire to give back to the health care community that took such great care of him. Special thanks to Platinum Sponsor Scotiabank Group.

Photos from the memorial event can be viewed online on our Photo Gallery.

Photo of Katrina by Kerry McLeish