MAKING AN IMPACT… Left to right, Invermere Health Care Auxiliary (IHCA)’s president Paige Ukass with Jo Anne Meyers and Evelyne Baertschi present their gift of $50,000 to Donna Grainger, East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) executive director. Just a few short months ago the IIHCA moved their Thrift Shop to a new location in downtown Invermere. The results of that decision have been a huge rise in sales and a continued dedication to health care from all the IHCA members. Although the IHCA’s major focus is the Invermere & District Hospital or the Columbia House Residential Care Facility, the IHCA has always kept their eyes on assisting in funding equipment for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

“People living in the Columbia Valley rely not just on our local hospital but the regional hospital as well. IHCA is proud to support EKFH and join with other donors to make the access to the best intensive care possible a reality,” said Ukass. The IHCA gift is being directed to the overall ICU equipment needs and backing for the fundraising campaign.   Over the past decade the IHCA membership has donated over $120,600 in financial aid for equipment at EKRH and $1,000,000 for the care, comfort needs of residents of the Columbia Valley including $35,500 for scholarships and bursaries.