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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-03-26, Page 16Crossroads 16 Times -Advocate Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Zurich medical c amp aign "doing quite well" Medical support — Fundraising continues for the $250,000 Zurich and Area Health Association (ZAHA) campaign for a new Zurich Health Centre. Association president Steve Haberer said $145,000 has been raised so far.Above left Grand Knight Francis Hartman of the Knights of Columbus presents a $1,000 donation to Haberer. (photos/submitted) By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF ZURICH — The Zurich and Area Health Association (ZAHA) is on its way to raising the $250,000 it needs to buy and renovate the new Zurich Health Centre. ZAHA president Steve Haberer told the Times -Advocate last week that $145,000 has been raised so far. "We're doing quite well," he said of the year-long campaign slated to finish in May. In May of last year the over 300 members of the ZAHA voted unani- mously to buy the Hay Mutual Insurance building at downtown Zurich's main intersection. The build- ing, which was built in the late 1970s and has been "extremely well main- tained," according to Haberer, will cost $200,000, while another $30,000 to $50,000 will be needed for some minor renovations such as putting on new doors for the exits. "The building is in excellent shape," Haberer said, noting there is plenty of Tasty -Nu donation — Above from left, Doug and Ruth Oesch, owners of Tasty -Nu Bakery, present a $1,200 cheque to ZAHA treasurer Joe Risi. During February, 10 cents from every loaf of bread was donated to the ZAHA for the new build- ing. parking. The ZAHA was formed 10 years ago to ensure continued primary health care in the village. About three years ago, faced with the prospect of losing its doctor, a meeting was held, attended by over 300 people to help raise the money to keep Dr. Michael Hurley in the community. Since that time, the ZAHA has want- ed to find a suitable permanent loca- tion for Hurley, hence the decision to buy the Hay Mutual building (Hay Mutual is building a new building for itself). Fundraising started last May and Haberer said there has been a lot of support from ZAHA members and local businesses; now the ZAHA wants to get the word out to the neighbouring com- munities about the need in Zurich. Haberer explains there are "no bor- ders" when it comes to doctors and 20 per cent of the people accessing health care in Zurich are from the Grand Bend area. Haberer describes the campaign as "low key" so far, and word has spread by word of mouth, but a flyer will go out in the next couple of weeks to increase public awareness. He said the campaign has raised about $10,000 to $15,000 per month. Haberer added Hurley and nurse practitioner Annie Morris will probably move into their new building in October. And with Zurich being officially declared medically underserviced and in need of one more doctor, Haberer said it is easier to attract doctors if you have a building. The Hay Mutual building has room for a second doctor or can be used for other health-related activities. Haberer credits Jill Geiger with head- ing up the fundraising campaign, with the help of a few others, and said the association's 300 members have been kept apprised of what's happening. Donations to the new building can be made out to the Municipality of Bluewater and either dropped off at the municipal office or mailed to Box 250, Zurich, Ont., NOM 2T0. Payment installments can be arranged and donations will receive income tax receipts. South Huron volunteers honoured for years of service By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — The federal gov- ernment and the Municipality of South Huron paid tribute last week to two local volunteers. Donna Clarke of Crediton and Gerard Poel, formerly of the Kirkton area and now of St. Marys, were each given a "Certificate of Appreciation" for their "outstanding service and contribution" over the years as volunteers in the com- munity. Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle present- ed the honours to Clarke and Poel at the March 17 South Huron council meeting. Steckle called Clarke and Poel "spe- cial," and said he is always appreciative of volunteers. He pointed out 2007 was the "Year of the Volunteer," and he finds it moving when he looks at the resumes of individuals who receive such awards. He thanked Clarke and Poel for their contributions to the community. South Huron Mayor Ken Oke also gave thanks on behalf of the municipality. "People who volunteer their time and energy for the help of others and the betterment of their community need to be recognized," he said. Oke said Clarke is an important mem- ber of the South Huron Seniors Group and has worked as an assistant adult projects co-ordinator for the last five years. She also works in the Centre for Employment and Learning to help raise awareness on the programs and activi- ties available to seniors. Clarke has also helped organize the South Huron Annual Adult Trade Fair and works to promote seniors activities and helps those over 55 find work. "Donna is a great asset to our commu- nity and I am glad she was seen as wor- thy of this recognition," Oke said. Poel, who said he thinks his wife Jean is more deserving of the award than he is, was active on the Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre for 25 years. Recognition — Local volunteers Donna Clarke and Gerard Poel were honoured by Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle on behalf of the federal government last week with a "Certificate of Appreciation" for their work in the community. Steckle made the presentation at the March 17 South Huron council meeting, where Mayor Ken Oke also paid tribute to Clarke and Poel. From left are Oke, Clarke, Poel and his wife Jean and Steckle. (photo/Scott Nixon) "This is a unique board," Oke said, "as Since retiring from the board, Poel that community centre was built and keeps busy by continuing to volunteer at operated by the board at no cost to the fundraisers. municipality for years. This was a hard Oke also referred to Poel as "a great working board." asset" to the community.