A local artist wrapped up an online art auction last month in support of a good cause.

Over the course of six weeks, Verone Solilo auctioned off a dozen paintings to raise money for the Airdrie Health Foundation. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Solilo decided to sell some of her artwork, saying she just wanted to do something to give back to the community.

lks away there's some safety there that if something happens with the patient, they'll be alerted right away."

Bates says there is a need for the $11,000 piece of equipment due to an increase of patients requiring critical care at Airdrie Urgent Care.

Fundraising efforts this year will also help with the continued support of the Pregnancy and Beyond Program, as well as the renovation of a mental health room.

"It will be a space to give patients and staff a safe area for a mental health assessment, and sometimes those can take up to two hours," she explains. "The safety of the patient and the staff is really important so with this renovation it will give more of that safety and eyes on that room."

Another piece of equipment the Airdrie Health Foundation is looking to purchase will aid with language barriers.

"Residents that don't speak English as a first language, there's often trouble interpreting and this is a device to help with interpretation between the staff, and the patients, and the children."

Bates says the Airdrie Health Foundation tries to help out where it can, raising money so local health facilities can purchase items that there's no money in the budget for.

"It's really important for our donors and sponsors to see those needs and where their money is actually going and how important it is to our community, otherwise we wouldn't get it," she says. "We need our residents to stay safe here in Airdrie."

Every Fall, the Airdrie Health Foundation hosts the annual Light Up the Night Gala. The popular event sells out every year and regularly raises more than $100,000.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has created many barriers for such an event, so Bates says they will be re-imagining it this year.

Instead of the usual gala, there will be a two-week online event starting with a silent auction. Bates says this has forced the Foundation to think outside the box and get creative, with several fun things in the works to take place between September 18 and October 4.

Details on things like Zoom liquor tastings, a musical event, and an art night with Verone Solilo are still being fine-tuned and some official announcements will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, more information on the Airdrie Health Foundation can be found HERE.

 

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