PALMERSTON – The Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation (PDH) is holding its third annual Takeout Dinner fundraiser Oct. 27 to 29.
Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go toward a new glidescope, an intubation device used in surgical services.
“When I first started [at PDH], $300,000 to $500,000 a year was about average [for needed funds]. It’s now almost always closer to $1 million or more,” said PDH development officer Dale Franklin.
“So, it’s definitely it’s a significant amount of money that we need to fundraise for.”
Franklin told the Community News that aside from its MRI campaign, PDH has a goal to raise $811,200 for 2023-24.
The Takeout Dinner fundraiser allows community members to pick up a meal at the Palmerston and District Community Centre Complex, catered by The Winston House Catering Company, and to eat it in the comfort of their own home.
Those getting meals will receive them on plates and dishes rather than takeout containers to help avoid waste. Dishes must be returned to the arena after they are used. Volunteers are available to pick them up if required.
Support the hospital
“It’s really gratifying to see how many people are seeking out different and creative ways to support the hospital,” Franklin said.
She explained the Takeout Dinner was set as a replacement for the annual Starlight Gala fundraiser, which was unable to run during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[The gala is] very fun, and not near as highbrow as people think. But it’s not for everybody,” she stated.
She noted the takeout event brought a wider audience than the gala, and on average, it raises $18,000 each year.
The dinner will now continue as a separate event from the Starlight Gala. Franklin explained she “can’t go without” the extra $18,000 a year because that alone helps cover the cost of needed equipment for PDH.
“The fact that we can be creative and provide other opportunities for people to help us raise money, this has been really well received,” she said. “I appreciate every single person who orders a dinner from us – it makes a difference.”
Dinners are $75 each and include a $40 tax receipt. Dinners can be picked up between 5 and 6:30pm.
“[The $40] is purely going into the foundation’s bank account, which is awesome,” said Franklin.
Organizers are expecting around 150 meals to be made for each day of the event.
It benefits everyone
Franklin told the Community News she has heard from residents in the county over the years that they are hesitant to donate to PDH because they don’t have a doctor in Palmerston, Harriston or Drayton.
“If you drop over, or if you are in an accident and you’re in Mapleton, you’re coming to the Palmerston hospital – it doesn’t matter where your doctor is,” she said.
“You’re going to be seen and you’re going to be cared for by our staff at the hospital. Anyone who works, travels through or lives in Minto and Mapleton, it’s a huge deal to have this hospital here.
“We want [PDH] to be as well-staffed and as well-equipped as we can make it.”
