The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee (UCC) had a busy year in 2024.
The mission of the volunteer-based UCC is to enhance healthcare in Sylvan Lake and the surrounding area by raising funds to purchase medical equipment and services for the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (AACS).
Over the last year, the UCC purchased three new treatment chairs for the AACS, valued at $18,860.29.
"The treatment chairs are used for patients who don't require a bed during their treatment at the AACS," UCC Chair Susan Samson said.
Over the past year, the UCC and directly the AACS were the recipients of many successful fundraising initiatives including:
- 2024 WinWin: Alberta Health Services employees participate in a payroll 50/50 draw and half the proceeds go to the healthcare facility of their choice. In 2024 the AACS received $46.095.06 from WinWin.
- Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign: The week-long campaign in May raised $20,124.61 to purchase medical equipment for the AACS. Around 160 volunteers donated a total of 75 hours to promote the Smile Cookie sales.
- Sylvan Lake Lions Golf Tournament: The Lions Golf Tournament saw 92 golfers participating and $4,000 of the proceeds were donated to the UCC.
- Sylvan Lake Dominos Pizza: Raising the Dough was a new partnership between the UCC and the local Sylvan Lake Dominos Pizza. Dominos raised $2,000 from pizza sales in the fall.
- Sylvan Lake Legion Ladies Auxiliary: $2,500 was donated by the Ladies Auxiliary to be spent on medical equipment for the AACS.
- Individual Donations: Throughout the year individuals and families donated to the UCC. In 2024, $4,450.70 was received from individuals.
The UCC retains the services of the Stettler Health Foundation to provide its donors with charitable receipts.
"Stettler Health Foundation holds these funds in trust on our behalf. Other monies raised are held in trust at Sylvan Lake Servus Credit Union," Samson said.
People interested in finding out more about the UCC, donating, or volunteering at any of the UCC's events can contact Samson at susansamson56@gmail.com.
Individuals can also follow the Facebook page, Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care, or send a letter to the UCC at Box 8985, Sylvan Lake, AB, T4S 1S6.