Families of loved ones receiving emergency care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital will have a quiet place to be together thanks in part to the generosity of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The Black Diamond Lodge No. 5, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows donated $50,400 to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation.
The gift will provide furniture for the family quiet room in the new emergency department as well as a new vital sign monitor used on every patient that seeks assistance in emergency.
Sandra MacKinnon, secretary of Lodge No. 5, said the donation for furniture in the quiet room is important because people need a place to go when grieving or anxiously awaiting news about a family member.
“It’s very hard to be in the hallway crying with all the hustle and bustle going on around you,” she said. “Having a place that is quiet where you can go and rest is important rather than be huddled in a hallway.”
Maeve O’Byrne, Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation president, said the donation demonstrates the continued support the foundation receives from community groups and what a small group of people can do to help their community.
“It’s a real leadership gift to us. It’s really a tribute to the relationship between the Odd Fellows and the foundation over the years,” she said.
The Odd Fellows began in the 19th century when a network of English citizens began to work together to help those in need, without expectation for themselves.
During that time the service club has grown into an international association with “fraternities” in 26 countries.
The Independent Order’s Black Diamond Lodge No. 5 has been actively serving Nanaimo residents since 1874.
The hospital foundation has pledged $4 million to purchase essential equipment for the $36.9 million expansion of the ER department scheduled to open in June 2012.
To follow the progress of the project or to learn more about the foundation, please go to www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com.