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Creston-Kootenay Foundation, East Kootenay Foundation for Health buy bariatric bed for Swan Valley Lodge

The Creston-Kootenay Foundation and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) provide matching funds for a total of $20,000...
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Members of the Creston-Kootenay Foundation (CKF) board present the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) with a $10

A new bariatric hospital bed will soon be making its appearance at Swan Valley Lodge, thanks to the coming together of two foundations.

The Creston-Kootenay Foundation (CKF) and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) decided to provide matching funds — $10,000 each — for a total of $20,000 to purchase the bed.

The CKF selected the project as part of its annual community foundation grant-giving evening, while the health foundation allocated its portion of funds from the estate of Olga Kramer, a longtime resident of the Creston Valley.

This is the third time that the two organizations have committed to partner funding.

“This is so very exciting and it is so good to have a partner like EKFH that has the best interests of Creston in mind,” said CKF chair Heather Suttie. “I predict that our foundations have much more history to create together.”

With obesity trends on the rise, healthcare providers must be ready to provide care for patients of size while keeping them safe and comfortable at the same time. A bariatric bed offers protection to patient’s skin, provides a wider and longer sleep and resting surface, while allowing health care workers to deliver better care without compromising patients’ dignity.

“What an honour to be in Creston to receive this co-funding grant from the Creston-Kootenay Foundation,” said EKFH executive director Donna Grainger. “For EKFH to be included amongst the many worthwhile projects (12 in total) the community foundation is funding truly is very humbling.”

For more information on these foundations or to make a gift in support of their work, visit www.ekfh.ca or www.ckfoundation.com.

—EAST KOOTENAY FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH