BELWOOD – In 2002, the small community of Pine Meadows just outside of Belwood made a pledge of $250,000 to support the former Groves Hospital.
The residents began fundraising soon after and met the challenge within a few years.
When the Ministry of Health made the decision that a new hospital was needed to meet the needs of the growing community, the funds raised were put in trust with Groves Hospital Foundation.
A committee formed in 2017 after the Residents of Pine Meadows decided to pledge an additional $250,000 to the new hospital, bringing the total to $500,000.
The community of 195 homes achieved their goal, and on July 3, a ceremonial cheque was presented to Groves Hospital Foundation at a celebratory event at Pine Meadows.
“Because of your generosity over the years we’ve been able to do this. We lost a bit of ground over COVID, but we certainly made up for it,” said committee chair Sue Anderson.
Committe fundraisers and residents were recognized for their years of commitment to fundraising events.
Through their planning, organizing, volunteering their time and rallying the other residents, the committee was instrumental in the campaign’s success.
Anderson said she was proud of Pine Meadows. “The whole community has worked really hard to make these events happen.”
She also thanked local sponsors for their contributions to silent auctions and other fundraising events.
Sandra and Keith Solomon of Solomon Decisions were recognized for their matching pledge challenge during the last stretch of the campaign.
The challenge brought in over $30,000, taking the group over the threshold.
Both Sandra and Keith Solomon adamantly stressed everyone in the community played an important role in reaching the $500,000 goal.
Sandra said the hospital is vital to everyone’s life. “If we haven’t already done so, we are all going to be using Groves at some point.”
Groves Hospital Foundation executive director Lori Arsenault addressed the community at the event on July 3.
“It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve enjoyed working with all of you throughout the years. Thank you for this momentous milestone,” Arsenault said.
“A lot has come from events, coffee days, barbecues, a fashion show – which is amazing. And on top of that many residents have given their own personal donations.”
Arsenault said that the diagnostic imaging department at Groves Memorial Community Hospital is now named the Residents of Pine Meadows in recognition of the community’s generosity.
Arsenault said there are funds still coming in from the campaign.
“They’ve gone over the $500,000 and that money is going to be directed to the new CT scanner.
“This community is unique. It’s amazing. And they’ve been so quiet about it, they haven’t had much recognition,” Arsenault said.
