Many people dread Mondays but the Monday on Sept. 16 turned out to be one to remember for the 麻豆社国产Hospital Foundation (SHF).
The Dr. Kindree Memorial Golf Tournament returned on that date and the event raised an impressive $37,000 an increase of $11,000 over last year's event.
A total of 144 players, or 36 teams, hit the links at the 麻豆社国产Valley Golf Course, with teams made up of four players each using a scramble format. First place came down to a tie, with Rona and Mish Mash sharing honours.
The auction, featuring items from many local businesses, helped raise approximately $12,000 and another unique twist was the first-ever helicopter ball drop. A total of 541 golf balls were dropped from a helicopter and proceeds from the sales of the balls raised $3,700. Throughout the spring and summer, locals could "buy" balls for the ball drop, with the closest balls to the hole winning prizes.
The money raised will go toward purchasing a Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine for 麻豆社国产General Hospital. The SHF's Tamsyn Jenkins explained how the machine will be put to use at the hospital.
"BiPAP is a method of non-invasive ventilation which provides two different pressures, an IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) when the patient breathes in, and a lower EPAP level (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) during exhalation," she wrote in an email.
"This is now the gold standard of care in an ER for individuals that come in with pulmonary edema. By using BiPAP we can prevent some patients from needing to be intubated. Once intubated, these patients usually spend a long period of time in an ICU. Patients needing BiPAP for an extended period of time will still need to go to a tertiary care centre but often will not require an ICU and have a shorter admission."
This year marked the second year that the tournament took place after taking a few years off. In the past it has helped raise more $600,000 throughout its 15 years and has assisted with the purchase of many pieces of medical equipment for the 麻豆社国产Hospital, Hilltop House and the health-care community.
The SHF is the philanthropic arm of 麻豆社国产Hospital. The foundation raises money needed for health care equipment, technology, capital projects and education. Established in 1995 by Dr. Laverne Kindree, the SHF has raised more than $1.5 million to improve health care in the Sea to Sky region.
SHF officials said it's likely the golf tournament will return next year but a board review needs to be completed before it can be confirmed.
