A Successful Dry July

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While the team at Northern Health have encountered many challenges this year in the face of COVID-19, these challenges did not discourage them from going dry this July in support of a good cause.

Despite being a smaller team than in previous years, Dry July participants did not shy away from reaching out to family, friends, and their community to raise money for patients affected by cancer at Northern Health.

The team target of $20,000 was surpassed by $7,000, and as a result of this tremendous effort, Palliative Care patients will benefit from an extensive upgrade to their courtyard. Not only is this a testament to the dedication of the team, but it signifies the generosity of our wonderful community here in the north. This would not have been possible to achieve without their support.

Alison Giles, Palliative Medicine Physician, was thrilled by the outcome, saying, “I am so excited about seeing some really positive changes to our new Palliative Care Unit on Ward 3 – particularly the courtyard garden. We hope to create a place of beauty, nature and peace for patients, families and staff. A huge thanks to the Foundation team, and everyone who supported Dry July for their brilliant fundraising!”

Konstantina Halastanis, Fundraising and Relationships Manager, Northern Health Foundation, commended the participants, saying, “I am proud to be part of such a talented, fun, and motivated team that is dedicated to making a difference. It was a joy to interact with everyone as they all are such a great inspiration. A big thank you to all our sponsors and Northern Health volunteers for their ongoing support and generosity, and everyone for signing up and going dry to help raise funds for this incredible cause.”

Northern Health Foundation would also like to extend our gratitude to Northern Health Foundation Patron, Josie Minniti and all her supporters, for their contribution of $20,000 to install a fully-weathered gazebo for the refurbished garden, and an anonymous donor who generously gave $10,000 towards the Dry July campaign.

Congratulations to the Dry July team! We look forward to seeing the new garden taking shape and being enjoyed by our patients and their families.

Featured image L-R: Alison Giles Palliative Medicine Physician Ward 3, Sarah Rexhepi, Simulation Technical Support Officer, Margaret Rivette, Fundraising Campaigns Officer, Pina Di Donato, Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation, Julius Quiring, NUM Ward 3 and Kim Berger, Database and Admin Officer.