MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 7, 2017
Chinook Fuels Ltd. donates $100,000 in support of local health care
Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation is excited to announce that Chinook Fuels Ltd. has made a very generous donation of $100,000 in support of the Gratitude Campaign’s $7.6 million Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites project. This is the first gift that Chinook Fuels Ltd. has made to the Health Foundation and we are extremely appreciative of their investment in health care here in Wood Buffalo. On Friday, July 7, 2017 the Health Foundation and Chinook Fuels Ltd. celebrated this significant gift with a cheque presentation at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre Lobby.
The MIS Suites project is the largest piece of the Gratitude Campaign that will see equipment and technology upgrades in four of the current operating rooms, transforming them into state-of-the-art operating theatres. The renovations of these surgical suites will significantly improve patient experiences by reducing surgery times spending less time under anesthesia, resulting in a quicker recovery period and better cosmetic results. Many surgeries, once performed by making one large incision, are now done through one or more very small incisions. Having Minimally Invasive technology here at the Health Centre will mean some patients may be able to avoid costly and time consuming trips to larger centres for procedures that can be completed right here, at home.
Mark Macdonald, Owner of Chinook Fuels Ltd. and his family have lived in Fort McMurray since 1982. He understands the importance of local health care and sees it as an investment for the future of the region. “Chinook Fuels is very proud to be able to support the Northern Lights Health Foundation. Ever since the wildfire, we have found the community has really formed an even tighter bond and many people have really come forward to making our city greater than ever. This gift is our opportunity to do the same by making health care a top priority. My family has lived here since 1982, my children were born in this hospital, I use it and my parents use it. In fact we really consider this as an investment in our future. We truly believe Fort McMurray deserves to have a top notch health care facility and we cannot wait to see the results.”
The Northern Lights Health Foundation is thrilled to partner with locally owned companies like Chinook Fuels Ltd. as they support these vital projects. The upgrades to these four suites will have a long lasting impact on our community; bringing world class health care to Wood Buffalo is our mission and with such generous donors like Chinook Fuels Ltd, our mission is becoming a reality.
About Chinook Fuels Ltd.
Chinook Fuels Ltd, Fort McMurray’s Esso fuels and Mobil lubricants distributor, is the only locally owned and operated fuels and lube distributor in the region. Proudly serving the region since 2006, Chinook has safely delivered over 500 million liters of fuel within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. They strive to meet and exceed the best safety practices of Transport Alberta, Imperial Oil and the Oilsands Industry. They are committed to a safe working culture for their employees, customers and the environment.
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca.
About The Gratitude Campaign
The Gratitude Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. The Campaign is comprised of several projects including: Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites, the Multi-purpose Clinic, Palliative Care, Community Clinics, Health Centre Lobby, and Continuing Care.. For more information, visit www.gratitudecampaign.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Cristina Lucarelli
Communications and Marketing Officer
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-788-1324 Email: Cristina.lucarelli@ahs.ca