2 minute read
Erie Shores HealthCare needs your help
By Mark Ribble
LEAMINGTON — For over 60 years, Erie Shores HealthCare, formerly Leamington District Memorial Hospital, has taken care of the needs of Leamington and surrounding area.
The Erie Shorers Health Foundation is now calling upon the community to help them through the COVID-19 crisis.
According the Erie Shores HealthCare’s Director of Communications and Media Relations, Arms Bumanlag, the best thing the community can do is simply stay home.
Bumanlag says that help has come from every corner of the community, as Erie Shores braces for the onslaught of cases likely to come their way over the next two weeks.
Equipment donations from High Park Farms being unloaded.
Leamington’s High Park Farms kicked things off late last week with a truck load of essential protective equipment. Aphria Inc. and Double Diamond Farms both joined in the fray over the weekend with substantial donations as well.
Add to that, all of the local restaurants who’ve donated lunches and meals and Bumanlag is buoyed by the community support so far.
“This community has been fantastic”, he said. The needs are many, but he did mention a couple of specific items that can help the fight.
“Medical grade goggles and N95 masks are needed the most,” he said.
People have been offering to make hand-sewn masks and while they are great for patients, the frontline staff require the N95 style.
For anyone with a knack for sewing, they would accept donations of surgical caps, which can be used by the staff.
At the Erie Shores Health Foundation, Executive Director Christine Colautti echoes Bumanlag’s sentiments.
“‘The health and safety of each member of our community is our highest priority,” she said. “Please take this time to stay healthy and promote the wellbeing of yourself and others. I am proud to be a member of this community and am confident whatever lies ahead, we will overcome with the medical expertise, love and compassion that is Essex County.”
The foundation has shifted its focus by putting forth a series of initiatives to help during this crisis.
Share What You Can Spare – Join the fight against COVID 19 by donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that are in urgent need at Erie Shores HealthCare.
Give Gratitude Campaign – share inspirational words, stories or inkind donations with our healthcare professionals during this difficult and stressful time.
COVID 19 Response Fund – Funds raised will be used to support our front-line healthcare professionals, as well as to purchase critical equipment and technology to enhance our ability to diagnose and treat patients during difficult time.
To learn more about helping, visit the Erie Shores Health Foundation website at www.eshfoundation.ca or email ccolautti@ldmh.org.
