3rd Annual Hospital Bed Races, presented by Raymond James Breaks Fundraising and Team Participation Records!
Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation hosted the third annual Hospital Bed Races, presented by Raymond James on September 26th raising almost $58,000 for local healthcare initiatives. This fundraiser was held at Snye Park, in the large upper parking lot in which became the AlumaSafway Race Track for the day.
This fun competition pits teams of four people in head-to-head sprint races pushing a hospital bed with a sandbag ‘Bed Bug’ patient. There were 14 teams in the lineup this year, all vying to win the Golden Bedpan Trophy. Throughout the course of the month teams have been rallying together, coming up with their themes and costumes and raising pledged funds for their teams. Team spirit and creativity was on display keeping the races energy high throughout the time trial heats.
“This event is a tremendous opportunity for people to have fun, build team-spirit, and raise funds for local healthcare”, states Health Foundation Executive Director Cindy Amerongen. “We know that our community members thrive on healthy competition and are great supporters of healthy lifestyles, display a safety-conscious attitude, and love to have fun while fundraising.”
Lorna Ash, Director of Development with the Health Foundation stated, “The teams really wanted to ensure this event went ahead this year. More than ever the need to connect our community and support each other is there. This year the teams chose to dedicate the races to our regional healthcare workers and they sure lived up to that!”
“The success of this year’s event goes to all the sponsors, participants, the donors pledging the participants, and all the volunteers,” says Kyle Taback, Vice Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation Board of Directors. “It is incredibly inspiring to see this kind of engagement and support. Thank you to ALL!”
This year the Golden Bedpan Trophy went to the SMS Heavy Haulers. Congratulations!
The Team Spirit went the Ped’s for Speed, Pediatric and Maternity team and the award for the Most Funds Raised went to the BME Bed Pan Runners.
“Congratulations to all the award winners” says Nadine Allen of Raymond James. “The most important thing to remember is we all came out winners here. Our collective fundraising ensures the vitality of health services and we know healthcare is for everyone.”