Stories of HopeWomen’s Canadian Club of Edmonton lives on in mission through significant gift to the Lois Hole Hospital for Women
Posted on: Oct 07, 2019In its final act of community support before closing its doors on more than 108 years of community service, the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton made a significant contribution to the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.
"It was an honour to attend the luncheon and celebrate the club's legacy," said Sharlene Rutherford, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. "We are immensely grateful to receive a donation of $20,000 from the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton in support of the expansion of surgical care at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women."
In the early 20th century, many clubs like the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton began across Canada. The Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton supported many different causes throughout Edmonton and Canada. "They were local, but they cared deeply about global issues," says current co-chairwoman Donna Krucik.
The group secured a facility for women serving in the military in the Second World War and donated to a local city band in memory of the band aboard the Titanic who continued to play until it sank. Two examples of many that demonstrated their commitment both in Edmonton and beyond.
In the wake of the national Canadian Club closing in the early 2000s with many of the provincial divisions following, it seemed sure that the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton would follow.
"There is a connection between the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women," said Rutherford. "Beyond the connection through Lois Hole herself who served as an Honourary Chair of the club momentarily, the two are aligned in mission to educate as well. The Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton repeatedly raised the level of discourse and challenged its community to think more critically and grow more knowledgeable. The same can be said for Lois Hole Hospital for Women. This teaching and research hospital and its collaboration with the Women and Children's Health Research Institute serves as a knowledge broker in evidence-based care in women's health."
Thank you to the Women's Canadian Club of Edmonton for your support of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Your legacy will live on this contribution that will improve patient outcomes for women from across northern Alberta and beyond for many years to come.