Lighting up a bright future in health care

Christmas lights and fireworks lit up the grounds of Bethesda hospital and the faces of families gathered for Bethesda Foundation’s Gifts of Light tree lighting.

Hundreds gathered around the healing garden Dec. 1 to see Cari Penner with her family flip the switch that turned on thousands of lights sponsored by donations from the community. Those donations helped build the major expansion now going up at the regional hospital.

Penner is the wife of the late Darrel Penner, a driving force with the foundation who served as vice chair and chair of the board for 27 years. Cari reflected on the many years the Gift of Light has shone in Steinbach, and the significance of light.

“You could say light is a sign of hope; hope that morning will come, rescue will come, darkness will end – a true sign of the Christmas season,” Penner told the crowd.

She then spoke of her late husband’s work with the late Garth Reimer, the board chair who passed away the year before his friend.

“Together with his friend Garth Reimer, he helped the Bethesda Foundation become a catalyst for new and innovative health care projects and services in our area.

“Darrel was committed to the foundation. He understood the importance of giving back and acted on that value. Darrel was dedicated to something bigger than himself, helping to bring light and hope to our community,” said Penner, who then gave thanks for the chance to honour his legacy.

Giving back is what the foundation does, thanks to the giving by people in the Southeast.

Current board chair Chris Goertzen pointed out the $8 million the foundation put towards the hospital expansion. That expansion includes palliative care space and three new operating theatres.

“People really stepped up. We know we have a generous city, and we see that very evident in the numbers,” said Goertzen.

People can donate to the gifts of light until the end of the year. Hundreds have donated so far, with two new sponsor categories to recognize those who give both large amounts over $5,000 and those who give what they can with smaller donations of $50 that add up to a big difference.

The foundation of course takes other donations year-round for its projects big and small.

Goertzen said they are seeking specific beds for people of different sizes to make them more comfortable, and chairs that turn into beds for family who are visiting their loved ones in the hospital.

“Those little things make a big difference and allow people to heal more quickly,” said Goertzen.

He added the foundation has been focusing on mental health in its discussion with Southern Health.