One of Saskatchewan’s most prolific donors with ties to Prince Albert has made a major contribution to the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) provincial psychiatric rehabilitation hospital.
On Thursday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced that Gordon and Jill Rawlinson contributed $ 1 million in support of patients and staff at the hospital. In recognition of the donation, the main lobby and central hub of the new facility will be known as the Gordon and Jill Rawlinson Nrew Beginnings Centre.
“The area is a welcoming and inviting gathering space for patients, staff, family members and friends for visiting, celebrations and events,” the SHA said in a press release.
The donation, made by long-time friend of the Rawlinsons David Dekker, puts the hospital’s New Beginnings Campaign well over its $8 million goal.
The Rawlinsons’ donation, along with $50,000 from the RM of Turtle River, has helped the campaign reach over $9 million.
“This creates a legacy fund and an avenue for further donations to Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford to support mental health care into the future,” said Corinne Bernier Delainey, fundraising lead for the New Beginnings Campaign.
The Rawlinson family has contributed to several major provincial projects, including the Remai Art Gallery and the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, along with improvements at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
Gordon and his brother Doug, who continued their father’s radio legacy through Rawlco radio, are from Prince Albert.
“We thank the Rawlinsons for their extraordinary kindness,” said Herb Cox, MLA for The Battlefords in a news release.
“Their dedication to the community and the province is commendable, and their contributions will enhance the lives of Saskatchewan people for years to come.”
The SHNB is a partnership between the ministries of health, corrections and policing, Central Services and the SHA to address mental health needs. It replaces the original Saskathcewan Hospital, which had been used for over a century.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Rawlinsons and everyone who has donated to the New Beginnings campaign, we have been able to fully furnish and equip the new SHNB with modern, appropriate items that meet the latest safety and infection control standards – everything from patient beds, tables and chairs, to dietary equipment, machinery for patient programs, and health care equipment including an onsite digital x-ray machine,” said Linda Shynkaruk, director of Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.
“We are humbled and deeply grateful for the amazing support of individuals, businesses, and organizations across Saskatchewan and beyond,” she added.
