Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation’s largest fundraiser is back!

Tim Brody - Editor

The Sioux Lookout Home Hardware Skip to Equip Classic will welcome 24 ladies curling teams to a weekend of “FUNdraising” in support of essential equipment needs at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) on the weekend of November 10 to the 12. 
“Last year’s event raised $95,000 for laboratory equipment at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre.  Over the past 13 years, with the support of our business community locally and throughout the region along with the curlers and individuals, we have raised over $780,000 for quality health care here at home,” the Skip to Equip Committee shared. 
“We are pleased to have the support of a local business as our new title sponsor, Sioux Lookout Home Hardware,” the Committee added.
“The Sioux Lookout Home Hardware ownership team is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to become the title sponsor of Skip to Equip for the 2023 bonspiel.  We are always proud to donate to community causes and the women in Sioux Lookout who have put in so much time and effort over the years, including several from our own staff, are an inspiration to us.  Its our hope that the fundraising efforts continue to grow for the benefit of the entire community and we hope to see them exceed the hundred-thousand dollar mark this year.  We are grateful to our customers who choose to shop locally and enable us with the chance to be able to give back, its humbling to be in this position and have this opportunity,” shared Eric Bortlis, General Manager/ Owning Partner, Sioux Lookout Home Hardware Building Centre
The event has a new slogan, “Your Healthcare, Our Community, Help Us Make a Difference”.
The Committee said the slogan, “Rings true to the efforts of the curlers that collect pledges and businesses that sponsor the event. Skip to Equip has always wanted to make a difference for quality health care here at home.  We feel that equipping our health care professionals with new, state of the art equipment will allow them to do their jobs to the highest calibre and essentially it means taking care of our family, friends and neighbours.”
Dean Osmond, SLMHC President and CEO shared, “The Skip to Equip committee has been an amazing asset for the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, through their fundraising to the foundation.
 “They have raised over $780,000, which has purchased equipment such as an ultrasound machine, Hematology analyzer, Mammography unit, C-arm, just to name a few.
 “This equipment has enhanced the services we provide to our patients.
 “Words can’t express how grateful we are to the Skip to Equip committee, and how their dedication and work have impacted services for the people we serve.
 “I am always impressed with the amount of funds they are able to raise and the generosity of our communities.“
This year’s event proceeds will go to essential equipment needs and at this point in time, the focus is on an MRI for the health centre.
“Registration is now open, and we are accepting the first 24 paid teams.  Your family, friends and neighbours will be asked by curlers to pledge funds within their means to support this important cause.  Letters and emails requesting financial support have been sent to business in the community,” the Committee stated.  
Committee members are selling 50/50 tickets at various businesses throughout Sioux Lookout until the event in November and thank everyone for their support.
For more information and to register your team, people can call Muriel Anderson at 807-737-8982; and for Sponsorship details call Kelli Baker at 807-737-9433.