Impacts big and far.
The driving force behind it all is the Spirit of the North Foundation, a charitable non-profit that serves businesses and individuals meaningful opportunities to help improve healthcare within the service area of the University Hospital of Prince George in Northern B.C (UHNBC). The region spans from just south of Quesnel to the Yukon border and Valemount to Haida Gwaii, equating to approximately 290,000 people. From funding much-needed medical equipment to education outreach and facility enhancements, Spirit of the North’s charitable work upholds a far-reaching responsibility.
Finding health at home.
Since UHNBC is the primary referral centre for this widespread region, it’s important that it’s equipped to be a focal point for quality healthcare. Says Judy Assman-Neiser, CEO of Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation: “One direction our donors are moving us towards is equipment to support early detection and more accurate diagnosis. Having this available in the North means less travel to the lower mainland for what should be routine tests.” After all, Prince George is far more distant from any other tertiary care facility than any other regional hospital in the province. Nowhere else is the next regional hospital a six to 10 hour drive away!
Results you can see.
Assman-Neiser acknowledges the team effort of KRents and SMS Equipment for the use of the excavator (including its cleaning, check-in and checkout) within the Copper Project, as well as the incredible support from all involved. “We are so very grateful for $190,000 in support and donations towards equipment and enhancements to many areas of healthcare,” she says. “We know healthcare touches us all—but each of us in different ways. When the house sells, a homeowner enjoys the quality of a well-built home for many years to come, and the proceeds realized are 100% put into the area of need chosen by the team at Copper Falls.”
Whether the funds support new equipment like an MRI or ultrasound unit or renovations to a major medical centre, the foundation’s experience and skill puts goodwill to work in the most practical way. And that’s exactly how Spirit of the North makes a measurable difference in Northern B.C.’s healthcare—creating a better quality of life for people across the region.
