July 28,2010/-KINGSTON, ON An announcement of a $200,000 pledge from CFB Kingston Garrison to the Together We Can campaign was held at St. Mary’s of the Lake hospital today. The gift will be directed to the construction of new hospital facilities for Providence Care Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation programs. 

Col. Rick Fawcett, Base Commander said, “CFB Kingston Garrison is proud to contribute to the Together We Can campaign.  Like everyone else, members of the military depend on our community hospitals. Kingston hospitals provide exceptional care for our soldiers as well as our families and friends, and we are happy to lend our support.”  

Garrison Kingston (CFB Kingston and its Lodger Units) has a long history of giving to Kingston’s hospitals through both financial and volunteer contributions.  Several retired military leaders have played key roles on hospital boards and committees. 

Garrison Kingston units have held numerous fundraising events in support of a variety of hospital programs.  A portion of the funds raised from the annual Kingston to Kandahar (K2K) Spin-a-Thon each year will go toward the Providence Care gift.  Col. Steve Hall, who took the lead in organizing the K2K event, commented, “"This year the CF School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) celebrates 75 years in Kingston. Our K2K spin-a-thon this year was a tremendous opportunity to give back to our community, through Providence Care and the Soldier-On program. These two tremendous organizations share similar goals and CFSCE is honoured to play a part."  Col Hall also extended an invitation to the citizens of Kingston to sign up for the upcoming Op K2K 2011 scheduled for 4-5 Jun 2011.

Dave Moore, Vice Chair of the Providence Care Board thanked the Garrison, saying “Many members of the military have provided their time, talent and commitment to realize this generous gift, and we’re very grateful and honoured to have their continuing support.” 

Kathi Colwell, Program Manager, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also
expressed thanks and said the gift will allow Providence Care staff to continue to provide patients with the treatment, therapy and support they need to carry on with their lives after illness or injury.

Following the announcement, program managers provided military leaders with a brief tour of the rehabilitation and occupational therapy facilities at St. Mary’s of the Lake. A teaching hospital affiliated with Queen's University, St. Mary's specializes in rehabilitation, specialized geriatric services, complex continuing care and palliative care. Services extend across the full continuum of care - inpatient, outpatient, and community.  The approach to care is holistic - staff and volunteers attend to the medical, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of each person.

The $70-million Together We Can campaign is the largest and most important health care fundraising initiative in the history of Southeastern Ontario. Led by the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, the joint fundraising arm for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care, the campaign will raise money for the redevelopment of our hospitals, the purchasing of equipment and the funding of medical research and staff education. To find out more go online to www.kingstonhospitalsfoundation.ca.

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