The theme of the night was Moulin Rouge, but the announcement of the relocation of the Lloydminster cancer care unit stole the show.
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The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) hosted its annual gala, with a major announcement to boot.
“This (gala funds) is going toward cancer care relocation for the cancer care unit,” said Kagan Kneen, LRHF CEO. “It’s actually going to be a full campaign for the cancer care relocation called ‘New Home for Hope.’
“I’m very, very excited to upgrade a lot of the different equipment, space for chemo and just to provide more dignity and compassion for those going through treatments, as well as their loved ones.”
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source photos
In terms of where the new unit will be located, that remains under discussion.
“We’re still in collaboration with SHA to let us know where they’re thinking the relocation will happen,” he said. “We do know it’s going to be moving out of its current location.”
The gala was an early success, as tickets sold out quickly.
“We sold out quite early, so we had a waiting list,” he said, explaining some cancellations were quickly filled. “But we were still completely sold out again.”
Kneen said credit for the event goes to the gala committee.
“They’ve put so much time into the preparation for this — coming up with the themes, the decor, menus, all of the things,” he said. “It’s crazy that they’ve already started having conversations about next year’s gala.”
The evening also featured a large silent auction.
“We’ve got huge barbecues, we’ve got trips, art, we’ve got diamonds — we’ve got all kinds of things,” he said.
The gala, which has been the health foundation’s major fundraiser for 24 years, will announce its fundraising totals a little differently this time.
“We’re not doing gross totals — we are going to do the net,” said Kneen. “I just want to make sure that we’re being completely transparent with what is truly going back into this cancer relocation fund.”
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