Gala Event Raises $30,000

Gala Event Raises $30,000 for Massawippi Valley Health Centre

The renowned Manoir Hovey in North Hatley was the venue for the Massawippi Valley Foundation’s gala event to celebrate the 5 th anniversary of both the Foundation and the Massawippi Valley Health Centre.

This belated celebration was delayed by the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. Despite the restricted in-person attendance due to social distancing, guests enjoyed both a gourmet dinner and warm social atmosphere. A silent auction added to the frivolity of the evening – the selection of items included an e-bike, hotel getaways, spa days and many generous local business products. The auction was open to the public — online as well as in-person bidding was fierce.

The Honourable Jean Charest was the guest speaker. He delivered a personal outlook on life in the Eastern Townships with a lively mix of personal stories and political recollections. Mr. Charest applauded the role that the community- owned not-for-profit health clinic is fulfilling for more than 20 Townships communities in the currently challenged healthcare system.

Said Charest, “When I was Premier of Quebec, we grappled with how to make the healthcare system work better. Just as Premier Legault is doing now. What you’ve achieved in this area – taking your destiny into your own hands, opening a co-op, partnering with RAMQ (to pay your doctors)…– this needs to be copied and perfected. The fact that people are prepared to pay $15 a month to be members means they are personally committed to your success. Coming out of the pandemic, all solutions to making the system work better are experimental. What you’ve achieved here may be the way of the future.”

Fundraising is a key aspect of the Foundation’s mission in providing access to primary and preventative healthcare. The Massawippi Valley Health Centre, the recipient of this event’s financial success, is a community-owned, bilingual, not- for-profit co-operative offering everyone access to doctors, nursing care and a Wellness Centre for classes, courses and workshops on keeping well and being healthy. See www.csvm.ca for more information.

For more information contact: Michel Rodrigue email: mrodrigue@me.com