Friends of Whitecourt: Sharing what we have

By Susan Hofforth

The Friends of Whitecourt is a local non-profit group that does essential work in our community. This group works to raise money to purchase things for the Health Care Center that the government can’t provide.

“To put it simply, we buy the things the hospitals need to make the job of the nurses and doctors easier,” said spokesperson Elaine Gunderson. “And more often, it means that people can stay in Whitecourt instead of going to Edmonton for care.”

Recently the group purchased a hematology analyzer for the hospital at a cost of $47,000. This machine can provide a complete blood count. It recognizes infection in the blood, or blood diseases such as leukemia. It also measures iron levels. The previous one broke down and not having one meant there were delays in testing when the samples had to be sent away to other labs. Thanks to the group, a new one is installed and in use, and the staff is loving it.

The Friends of Whitecourt raises its money through the Repeat Boutique in Whitecourt. The store accepts donations of clothing and housewares, and sells them at a profit. Gunderson says the Repeat Boutique helps the community in many ways. “It helps keep things out of recycling, and it helps people buy things they need,” she said. “We also help Wellspring out with clothing and household needs, and keep an eye out on the street for kids not dressed properly for winter. We have coats on hand to give to the schools if anyone needs one.”

The group also provides used hockey equipment and skates to children in Nunavut so they can play hockey.

The Repeat Boutique is a great example of what people working together can do. “We are all sharing what we have for the common need,” said Gunderson.