McHappy Day Generosity Boosts Funding for Essential Newborn Warmer

This year’s McHappy Day raised an incredible total of $15,891.49, with the Foundation receiving $11,918.62 and Ronald McDonald House receiving $3,972.87. It’s all thanks to the incredible support from our community. To every volunteer who gave their time, everyone who purchased 50/50 tickets, coupons and all who stopped by to show their support, we’re deeply grateful.

Your generosity will help fund a PANDA baby warmer, an essential piece of equipment for newborn care.

Over the past five years, Labour and Delivery services have grown by 200%. With the department now busier than ever, staff have identified the urgent need for an additional PANDA warmer, especially as 2–3 babies are often delivered simultaneously. More than just a warmer, this unit supports resuscitation, stabilization, and oxygen monitoring, making it a critical tool for safe newborn care.

The new warmer will be dedicated to C‑section deliveries, but can be used anywhere in Labour and Delivery as needed. The total cost of this project is $45,000, and we are that much closer to securing it for the Taber Health Centre’s Labour and Delivery unit. 

Big thanks to everyone who bought 50/50 tickets, coupons and came out to support the Foundation. We look forward to seeing you all next time. 

New Surgical Visualization System Enhances Care Across Multiple Specialties

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the 2025 Fall Campaign continues to transform surgical care at the Taber Health Centre. The first phase of the campaign, new podiatry equipment, has already been making a meaningful difference for patients. Today, we are thrilled to share even more good news: the second major piece of equipment funded through this campaign has officially arrived.

The Stryker 1688 AIM 4K Platform, a surgical visualization system, is now in place and ready to elevate care across multiple specialties, including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, ENT, and hysteroscopy. Before it goes live in the operating rooms, the surgical teams will complete specialized training to ensure they can fully leverage its technology.

This system offers 4K resolution, improved light sensitivity, and enhanced fluorescence imaging, allowing surgeons to visualize perfusion and critical anatomy better. The upgrade will replace outdated video equipment, significantly improving the clarity, efficiency, and precision of surgical procedures.

None of this would be possible without you. Your support is directly shaping the future of healthcare in our community, and we are deeply grateful.

Donor Support Brings New Podiatry Equipment to Taber

During the Fall 2025 campaign, your generosity made it possible to advance surgical care at the Taber Health Center. Because of your support, we were able to purchase new podiatry equipment that allows Dr. Allred, Taber’s dedicated podiatrist, to perform more procedures. These tools help reduce wait times, increase surgical capacity, and ensure patients receive timely care close to home.

“On behalf of our surgical team, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous support in funding the purchases of the surgical hardware for our operating room,” notes Dr. James Allred. “We see firsthand the difference that these resources make in improving patient mobility, reducing pain and restoring quality of life.”

Your contribution didn’t just fund equipment; it expanded access, strengthened care, and directly improved patients' lives. Thank you for making this progress possible.

We’re on the Move!

Exciting changes are underway at the Health Centre. As part of the upcoming renovations to the Operating Rooms and surrounding areas, several office spaces will be temporarily repurposed — including the current TDHF office. To support this transition, our team will be relocating to the East Wing of the Health Centre, just off the main lobby of the Taber Clinic.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be gradually moving our workspace and belongings to the new location. Throughout this transition, we remain fully available to support you and answer any questions. Once the new space is fully set up, we’ll share an update and officially welcome you in.

We look forward to settling into our refreshed surroundings and continuing to serve you from our new home.

Teddy Bears for the ER!

A visit to the Emergency Room can be an overwhelming experience for any child. The unfamiliar sights, the urgency, and the worry can make even a short stay feel daunting. But sometimes, a small gesture can make a world of difference.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of the 2025 McHappy Day campaign, we’re proud to share that 250 brand‑new teddy bears are now ready to offer comfort to children visiting the Taber Health Centre Emergency Room. These soft, friendly companions, made possible through our partnership with McDonald’s, will be given to young patients who could use a little extra reassurance during a difficult moment.

Each teddy bear is more than a toy. It’s a symbol of care, compassion, and the power of community coming together to support local healthcare. Whether easing a child’s fear, offering a distraction, or simply providing something warm to hold, these bears help create a gentler, more comforting ER experience.

Jordan, owner and operator of Taber McDonalds says, “McHappy day is all about family and supporting community and we feel strongly that the Taber & District Health Foundation fits both that, family and community.”

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to McHappy Day and helped make this initiative possible. Your kindness is felt in every hug, every smile, and every moment of comfort these bears bring.

Thank you for helping us spread warmth and compassion where it’s needed most. Save the date for the 2026 McHappy Day on May 6.

New Positioning Platform Improves Diagnostic Imaging in Taber

We are pleased to support the purchase of a new two‑step positioning platform for Diagnostic Imaging (DI), valued at just over $5,300. This specialized platform allows for DI staff to capture efficient, accurate X‑rays of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Its design makes it easy to obtain high‑quality weight‑bearing and non–weight‑bearing images, and the built‑in safety grab bars provide stability for patients of all ages.

This equipment replaces an older, modified platform that no longer meets safety standards. Without a proper positioning system, Taber Diagnostic Imaging has had to send patients to Lethbridge for these exams—an inconvenience made even more significant given that Taber has a practicing podiatrist whose patients frequently require this type of imaging. Having the new platform available locally will be a major benefit for both the podiatrist and the many patients who can now receive this care close to home.

The Foundation is grateful to donors whose generosity makes equipment purchases like this possible. Every contribution helps strengthen healthcare services in our region and ensures that residents can receive high‑quality care right here at home.

Motiview Brings New Energy to Long Term Care at the Taber Health Centre

Thanks to the generous support of donors to the Taber and District Health Foundation, residents in Long Term Care at the Taber Health Centre are now enjoying a new and engaging wellness tool: Motiview.

Motiview is a video-based cycling system that encourages seniors to stay active while sparking memories and conversation. When paired with a stationary bike, residents can “ride” through familiar neighbourhoods or explore destinations around the world—from their hometown streets to the boulevards of Paris.

The benefits are wide‑ranging. Motiview has been shown to improve appetite, sleep, mobility, weight management, and reduce falls, pain, and medication use. It also supports mental and social well‑being by reducing anxiety, boosting confidence, encouraging reminiscence, and increasing meaningful interaction among residents, staff, and families.

As healthcare teams learn more about Motiview’s impact, Therapeutic Recreation expects to see more referrals for Active Care and CTB patients, helping individuals regain strength, return home sooner, and reduce hospital stays.

The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to every donor whose generosity made this enhancement possible. Your support continues to enrich the lives of local seniors and strengthen care in our community.

New Equipment Strengthening Home Care Program

At the end of 2025, three new pieces of equipment were added to the Taber Health Centre, each strengthening the ability of the Home Care Program to deliver safe, effective care directly in patients’ homes. Collectively, these tools help reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits, prevent avoidable hospital admissions, improve patient comfort, and support more timely assessments across the MD of Taber.

Koven Bidop 3 Vascular Ultrasound Doppler

The Koven Bidop 3 Doppler is now supporting vascular assessments for patients referred to the Home Care Program. This device improves the speed and accuracy of circulatory evaluations, helping clinicians make informed decisions while reducing the need for hospital‑based testing.

CADD Pump for IV/HPTP Therapy and Pain Management

CADD pumps are essential for delivering IV/HPTP therapy and community‑based pain management safely in the home. With the program’s fleet reduced in recent years, additional pumps are needed to meet growing demand. Increasing capacity will allow Home Care to support more patients, reduce ER visits, and help prevent hospital or palliative care admissions related to pain control.

Biocon 900S Handheld Bladder Scanner

The Biocon 900S bladder scanner provides a portable, non‑invasive way to assess bladder volume during home visits. This technology helps diagnose urinary retention, prevents unnecessary catheterizations, and eliminates many hospital trips previously required for bladder scans. With the hospital being the only other location with this equipment, the scanner offers significant convenience for patients and cost savings for the healthcare system.

These important additions were made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. Your support ensures that high‑quality care remains accessible close to home, strengthens community‑based services, and directly improves the lives of patients across the region. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to local healthcare.

Vascular Ultrasound Doppler

CADD Pump

Bladder Scanner

Taber and District Health Foundation Welcomes New Trustee: Jazlyn Pedersen

The Taber and District Health Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Jazlyn Pedersen as the newest member of its Board of Trustees. A lifelong resident of the Taber area, Jazlyn brings with her a deep-rooted connection to the community and a strong commitment to service.

Born and raised on an acreage outside of Taber, Jazlyn grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and family values. As the eldest sibling to twin brothers just nine months younger, she learned early the importance of leadership, care, and community. Her family’s long-standing local business further instilled in her an appreciation for the town and the people who make it thrive.

“I am eager to contribute to the Taber and District Health Foundation Board as a way of giving back to the place I proudly call home,” Jazlyn shared. “This community has always been at the heart of who I am, and I look forward to serving its people and principles.”

The Foundation is excited to welcome Jazlyn’s energy, experience, and dedication to its mission of supporting health care initiatives in the region. Her journey reflects the values of perseverance, leadership, and community spirit that align perfectly with the Foundation’s vision.

Celebrating Regional Investment in Cardiac Care

TABER, Alberta – December 19, 2025 – The Taber & District Health Foundation is proud to join our partner foundations across Southern Alberta in announcing a major regional investment in cardiac care. Together, we raised $140,000 to bring new Holter monitors to patients across our region, ensuring earlier detection, better diagnosis, and follow-up care right in their own communities. Thanks to this collective effort, here’s what was made possible:

Distribution of New Holter Monitors Across Southern Alberta

• Chinook Regional Hospital – 19 monitors (Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation)

• Medicine Hat Regional Hospital – 20 monitors (Medicine Hat Health Foundation)

• Taber Health Centre – 2 monitors (Taber & District Health Foundation)

• Fort Macleod Health Centre – 1 monitor (Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation)

• Cardston Health Centre – 1 monitor (Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation)

• Milk River Health Centre – 1 monitor (Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation)

• Pincher Creek Health Centre – 4 monitors (Windy Slopes Health Foundation and CRHF partnership)

• Crowsnest Pass Health Centre – 2 monitors (Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation)

What This Means for Patients 

Holter monitors are small, wearable devices that record a patient’s heart rhythm over 24–48 hours, an essential tool for diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions. With these monitors now available throughout Southern Alberta, patients no longer face the burden of long-distance travel for assessment or follow-up care. This is generosity in action. This is community impact. And this is the power of partnership. When foundations collaborate, each donor’s gift goes further—strengthening cardiac care not just for one hospital, but for every community we serve.

Local Nursing Students Awarded Stewart Genes Scholarship

Bronwyn McClenaghan

Alyssa Stronge

TABER, AB – Two aspiring nurses from Taber have been named the 2025 recipients of the Stewart Genes Scholarship, an award established to support local students pursuing post-secondary education. This year’s scholarships have been awarded to Alyssa Stronge and Bronwyn McClenaghan, both graduates of W.R. Myers High School and current nursing students.

Alyssa Stronge, 19, is in her second year of the NESA Bachelor of Nursing program. “I am more than grateful to be a part of the nursing journey,” said Stronge. “It has taught me how to apply knowledge and compassion towards all aspects of my life. I can’t wait to give back to the world and take care of those in need.”

Bronwyn McClenaghan is also in nursing school and is currently completing her clinical placement at Taber Hospital. “Even though I’ve only been doing this clinical for a few weeks, I’ve realized just how gratifying nursing is,” said McClenaghan. “I am so excited to graduate and work as a nurse where I can help patients for more than two days a week.”

The Stewart Genes Scholarship was established around 1970 through a generous donation from the estate of Aud Genes, a local man remembered for his dedication to the community despite living with severe arthritis. Aud worked at Purdue Motors and volunteered countless hours as a baseball umpire. The scholarship was also supported by Alex Stewart, a respected Taber businessman and Masonic Lodge member.

Two scholarships of $500 are awarded annually thanks to the support of local donors and community supporters. Applications for the next round of scholarships will open in summer 2026 and will be accepted until August 31 each year. 

Kiwanis Golf Tournament Raises $37,911 for Emergency Care at Taber Health Centre

We are thrilled to announce the success of the 2025 Kiwanis Golf Tournament, which raised an incredible $37,911 in support of emergency care at the Taber Health Centre. Hosted in June, this annual event brought together community members, sponsors, and volunteers for a day of fun and fundraising with a powerful purpose.

This year’s proceeds will fund the purchase of a Hamilton T1 Transport Ventilator—a compact, ICU-grade system designed to provide life-saving respiratory support to patients of all ages, from neonates to adults. The ventilator is compatible with transportation services like STARS, ensuring seamless care during critical transfers and enhancing the Centre’s emergency response capabilities.

“This ventilator will be a great resource to help us manage critically ill and injured patients for many years to come. The difference it can make in the lives of patients needing it can’t be overstated,” said Dr. Jeff Hughes, a Physician at the Taber Health Centre.

The cheque was officially presented by members of the Kiwanis Club of Taber to TDHF board representatives Debbie Sargeant and Doug Emek, marking a proud moment of community collaboration and generosity.

With a fundraising goal of $36,920.53, the tournament’s success has fully funded this essential equipment—bringing advanced care closer to home and reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to elevate healthcare in Taber and surrounding communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Taber for their continued support and dedication to enhancing healthcare in our community. We also want to recognize the incredible generosity of our sponsors, the enthusiasm of our golfers, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers who made this event such a success.

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A Heartfelt Addition to Taber Health Centre: New Fetal Heart Monitor Arrives

Exciting news from the Taber Health Centre! Thanks to the generous support of McDonald’s Restaurant—who partners with the Taber & District Health Foundation for McHappy Day—and to the Geerligs family, who made a touching donation in memory of their daughter, Madison, the Foundation was able to purchase a portable fetal heart monitor for our maternity care unit.

“The reason we choose to partner with the Taber & District Health Foundation is that they really embody our core values, which are both community and family,” Jordan Brown, owner of McDonald's Taber.

This high-end device represents a major leap forward in the quality of care available to expectant mothers. Unlike stationary monitors, this unit can be used wherever needed—including delivery rooms, Acute Care, or the Emergency Room—allowing our medical staff to safely monitor both mother and baby in urgent or complex situations.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in this meaningful contribution. Thanks to you, we are better equipped to offer compassionate, responsive care to families as they welcome new life into the world.

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DQ Blizzard Day Proceeds Help Improve Acute Care at Taber Health Centre

Thanks to the generosity of Dairy Queen and the success of DQ Blizzard Day, the Taber and District Health Foundation has made a meaningful impact on local healthcare. The foundation received a donation of $4,400, which was used to purchase a much-needed Vital Signs Monitor for Acute Care at the Taber Health Centre.

This essential piece of equipment comes at a crucial time, addressing the current shortage and significantly enhancing patient care. The new monitor allows for:

• Timelier assessments, reducing delays and improving overall care efficiency.

• Enhanced safety, with dedicated monitors in isolation rooms helping to prevent the spread of infections.

• Reduced burden on staff, easing equipment wait times and minimizing time spent on disinfection.

The foundation is grateful for the support of Dairy Queen and the community, whose contributions are making a direct difference in the well-being of patients and healthcare workers alike. This donation highlights the impact of community-driven initiatives in enhancing local healthcare resources.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made DQ Blizzard Day a success—your generosity is truly making a difference!

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A Very "McHappy" Success!

On May 8, 2025, the Taber McDonald’s brought the community together for its annual McHappy Day, a day dedicated to giving back. With every menu item purchased, a portion of the proceeds was set aside to support both The Taber & District Health Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

And what a remarkable show of generosity it was! Thanks to the incredible community spirit, we raised a total of $19,535! Of that amount, $14,651 will directly benefit The Taber & District Health Foundation, funding equipment that supports children and families at the Taber Health Centre.

The excitement didn’t stop at burgers and fries—community members participated in 50/50 ticket draws and joined in on the festivities, making it a day filled with joy, unity, and giving.

A huge thank-you to the Taber community for showing up, sharing the love, and making this year’s McHappy Day an unforgettable success. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of families who need it most.

Until next year, keep that McHappy spirit alive! 

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A Helping Hand for Healers: How the Stewart Genes Scholarship Shaped Kassidy Virostek’s Nursing Journey

The Stewart Genes Scholarship has significantly shaped Kassidy Virostek’s journey toward a career in nursing. Introduced to the Stewart Genes Scholarship through a family member who noticed posters at work, Kassidy saw it as an opportunity to ease the financial pressures of pursuing higher education.

After being accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing program at Medicine Hat College, she recognized that scholarships like this would help lighten the financial burden of tuition and supplies. Upon receiving the award, Kassidy felt an immense sense of relief, knowing that she could focus on her studies rather than constantly worrying about expenses.

The scholarship has allowed her to dedicate herself entirely to her education, removing the stress of financial challenges and ensuring she can fully engage in her training. For aspiring healthcare professionals, opportunities like this serve as a powerful encouragement, reminding students that their dreams are supported by foundations committed to fostering the next generation of medical professionals.

Kassidy chose nursing because she has always been passionate about helping others and advocating for patients as they navigate medical decisions. Her advice to those considering a healthcare career is simple: leap and apply to a program of choice. The future may hold incredible opportunities that can shape a meaningful and fulfilling career.

The Stewart Genes Scholarship has made a lasting impact on Kassidy’s education, offering both financial support and the confidence to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

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Foundation’s Support Brings E-Bike Accessibility to Long-Term Care Residents

The Taber & District Health Foundation is proud to support initiatives that enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for long-term care residents. One such project is the conversion of an existing pedal-assist wheelchair bike into an e-bike, making cycling more accessible and efficient for both clients and caregivers.

This bike has been a key component of the therapeutic recreation program for more than three years. By adding a motor, we can provide additional support to the individual pedalling, reducing strain and allowing for longer and more enjoyable rides. This enhancement ensures safer and more effective therapy sessions while preventing potential muscle strain, exhaustion, and burnout among caregivers.

The wheelchair biking program runs each spring and summer, helping clients at various physical and cognitive levels, including those experiencing symptoms of depression. Cycling provides extended mobility, a sense of freedom, outdoor enjoyment, and opportunities for socialization—all of which contribute to an improved quality of life.

Beyond direct patient benefits, this project has the potential to demonstrate therapeutic recreation's value to healthcare professionals, highlighting how evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions can positively impact client function and behavior.

By investing in this conversion kit, we maximize the benefits of existing equipment without the high cost of purchasing a new bike, ensuring continued therapeutic opportunities for clients across Taber, Barnwell, Grassy Lake, Enchant, Hays, Vauxhall, and the MD of Taber

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The Impact of the Stewart Genes Scholarship: Skylar Tan’s Journey into Nursing

The Taber & District Health Foundation introduced Skylar Tan to the Stewart Genes Scholarship during her volunteer work, during which she also created a video for the Foundation. This scholarship became a key stepping stone in Skylar’s path to achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a Labour and Delivery nurse.

Growing up watching A Baby Story on TLC with her sisters, Skylar developed a deep fascination with the joy of new life and aspired to work in healthcare. The Stewart Genes Scholarship, designed for post-secondary students pursuing health-related studies, proved to be the perfect fit when she applied to nursing school. With only two scholarships awarded, Skylar was honoured to receive the financial assistance, which covered her first semester’s tuition and provided a strong start to her education.

Today, Skylar enjoys a fulfilling career in Labour & Delivery. While her job involves less baby-holding than she imagined—new moms prefer to hold their own little ones—she finds great satisfaction in being part of such meaningful moments. Skylar encourages aspiring healthcare professionals from Taber, Vauxhall, or Grassy Lake to apply for the scholarship, as even small financial aid can reduce stress and support success. She also advises shadowing professionals to gain practical insights into healthcare careers.

Skylar’s journey is a testament to how community initiatives like the Stewart Genes Scholarship, championed by the Taber & District Health Foundation, can profoundly impact lives and careers.

Taber Health Centre Introduces Broda and Bariatric Broda Chairs to Enhance Patient Care

We are pleased to announce the acquisition of two Broda Chairs (pictured left)—one designated for the acute care unit and the other for the long-term care unit—as well as one Bariatric Broda Chair (pictured right) for the long-term care unit. This is a meaningful addition to enhancing patient comfort and care. These chairs are specifically designed to support individuals with limited mobility and those requiring postural assistance, ensuring a more comfortable and supportive experience.

Broda Chairs incorporate an ergonomic design that facilitates optimal positioning and pressure relief, providing comfort for patients during extended periods of sitting. This is especially valuable for individuals with conditions that limit movement or necessitate extra support. The Bariatric Broda Chairs, designed specifically for individuals requiring a higher weight capacity, offer the same ergonomic benefits while incorporating reinforced features to provide additional durability and support. These chairs ensure that patients of varying needs receive tailored comfort and care.

Their introduction at the Taber Health Centre aligns with the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care for our community. These chairs will help healthcare professionals address the diverse needs of patients, ensuring more personalized and effective treatment.

Staff members have expressed support for the addition, recognizing the chairs’ potential to enhance the patient experience. By promoting better posture and reducing pressure sores, the ergonomic features contribute to the overall health and well-being of those in our care.

This development represents a step forward in patient care at the Taber Health Centre, reflecting our commitment to improving the comfort and health of the community.

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Enhancing Supporting Patient Safety and Staff Efficiency at Taber Health Centre with Central Monitoring System

The 2024 Fall Campaign successfully raised funds for a new Central Monitoring System at the Taber Health Centre.

This advanced Central Monitoring System introduces new technology that will greatly improve the current monitoring capabilities, allowing staff to respond more quickly to patient needs.

The new software enhances the Taber Health Centre's monitoring equipment with tools and features that promote clinical workflow efficiencies and improve patient safety. It consolidates data for easy analysis and produces comprehensive reports that support and document caregiving communications. Currently, the existing system is limited to the acute care area and can monitor only a few patients simultaneously. The new system, however, will be installed in the Emergency Department and can monitor multiple patients, including those in acute care. Additionally, it includes alarm features to promptly notify healthcare providers of any changes in a patient's condition.

The importance of having a Central Monitoring System in the Emergency Department is vital. It is where patients require consistent and close monitoring allowing multiple team members to assess, diagnose and treat quickly to improve patient outcomes.

The Foundation thanks its donors and sponsors for their support in this campaign. An update on the full Emergency Department upgrade will be available soon.

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