The warm blanket, the comfortable chair, the vital signs monitor.

If you have been in the Brandon Regional Health Centre, chances are that you have used one of these items, or something else that has been paid for by the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. While the government covers most of the expenses, there are some items that have to be purchased with non-government funds.

That’s where the Foundation comes in. It’s been around since 1980 and, other than a few high-profile campaigns, has managed to stay under most everyone’s radars. Now that’s changing.

Karen Chrest was recently hired as Director of Development. This follows her role in the successful Murray House campaign in which $2.85 million was raised for the cancer treatment centre being built next to the hospital. Chrest tells the Journal that she will be responsible for community and public relations and act as a roving advocate for the Foundation. “Our name is out there in the community more since our last high-profile campaign and that’s a good thing. We are an organization of board members, volunteer driven, that raise funds to support healthcare needs in the regional community.”

The Foundation raises money for healthcare needs not supported by government. Chrest says that there is always a list of needs. “There’s always a wish list that didn’t make the provincial budget cut. That’s where we come in. Anything not supported by government is our domain.”

Those high-profile campaigns previously mentioned include “A Bed For You, A Bed For Me,” The Healthy Futures campaign, The Westman Cares Cancer Lottery and, of course, the Murray House campaign. The Foundation also has annual events which have been very successful, including the Gala Dinner which was first held in 1991 and the Christmas pancake breakfast.

Chrest says that this is a very giving community, with people giving to causes that are close to their heart.  She tells the Journal that the Foundation is very grateful for the incredible community response and that the Murray House campaign has made the BRHC Foundation “top of mind” when it comes to health-related charities.

Chrest says that there are different reasons why people donate to the foundation.  “It can be in memory of a friend or relative, in honour of a special event in lieu of gifts, as a bequest. Some people have had exemplary care from staff and making a donation is a way of saying thank you.”  A donation can be earmarked for a specific use.  A committee made up of Foundation members reviews requests and makes recommendations to the full board, which decides how money is spent.

The Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, which has its office on the main floor of the hospital, is a separate entity from the RHA. Chrest says, “We are stewards for money raised that goes to the RHA.”

Chrest brings a high profile to the Foundation, having hosted the CKX Noon show for several years and has developed a rapport with a wide variety of groups across Westman. You can get more information on the Foundation at www.brandonrha.mb.ca or by calling 204-578-4227.