(The Ashton United Church is a proud supporter of the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital and the Healthy Futures Together! Campaign. The campaign is raising funds for the community’s share of a brand new Emergency Department building and 100% of all funds needed for patient care equipment throughout the hospital.)
Located just outside Ottawa, inside the boundaries of Beckwith Township, is the small village of Ashton, a neighbour of Stittsville. This charming community of approximately 200 people boasts a friendly atmosphere with deep historic roots. Within the village is the Ashton United Church, comprised of a congregation from Ashton and surrounding areas, which has a passion and a duty to help others. Although small in numbers, they have made an impressive pledge of $25,000 for the Healthy Futures Together! Campaign for the new Emergency Department and vital patient care equipment required at the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). This small but mighty group of friends and members of the Ashton United Church demonstrate that when it comes to supporting their local hospital, their collective contributions make for remarkable results!
“When we first got wind of the need for a new Emergency Department at our local hospital, we recognized the benefits for the members of our community,” noted church treasurer, Stephen Guetta. “We’ve all used the ER, or we know someone who has benefitted from the ER in the past. More importantly, we know of families who will benefit from a new ER in the future.”
Most of the donors are members of the congregation, but others in the community have stepped-up as well. Leading the way was a family that has been part of the Church community for four generations. “Like many of us, this family is very thankful to have this kind of health care so close to home,” added Guetta.
When the ground is broken and the new Emergency Department building is constructed in the near future, a number of naming recognition plaques will be on display along with a donor wall highlighting all donors who have made donations of a $1,000 or more to the Campaign. Among these will be a special plaque on one of the patient treatment rooms to recognize not just the members of the church, but ‘The Friends of Ashton United Church’.
“Many of us have a long history within this community and we try to support initiatives that benefit our community in a practical and effective manner. We’re excited to be one of the first groups to step-up and provide funding for a patient room. When someone is in need, and time is critical, we want them to have the best care possible as soon as practical,” summed up one of the Church’s members.
“For a very small church, this gift is incredible, and we are very grateful,” notes Campaign Co-Chair, Lori Cavanagh. “This wonderful group of donors has been supportive from the very beginning of the campaign, and they are inspiring others to do the same. Thank you!” added Campaign Co-Chair, Richard Kidd.
Supporting their local hospital is not a new to this group. Among many initiatives, the ‘Ashton & Community Hang-Out/Take-Out’ began hosting a Tuesday morning drop-in open to all in 2017. Each week, 30 to 40 people might stop by for coffee and conversation. A goodwill offering was all that was ever encouraged. Up and until COVID restrictions prevented the gathering to continue in 2020, more than $15,000 was raised to support the purchase of needed patient care equipment at the hospital. A powerful example of how weekly contributions can certainly add-up!
Like many others, the Church will be happy to return to their previous activities and outreach projects which touch many parts of the community. Whether it be a dessert auction, or the sale of homemade pies, or providing a turkey supper, friends and family members from the Ashton United Church volunteer their time and supplies to raise funds for the Lanark County Foodbank, women’s shelters, Centre 507, and other community programs in addition to CPDMH.
For more information regarding the Healthy Futures Together! Campaign which the Ashton United Church is supporting with their $25,000 pledge, please visit the Campaign’s website at: www.cpdmhfoundation.ca/healthyfuturestogether.
You may also contact the friendly CPDMH Foundation team at: foundation@carletonplacehosp.com or call: 613-257-GIVE (4483) to learn more about manageable giving options and the impact your gift will make in your community. Or you can contact Alison Lunn, Donor Engagement and Communications Officer at 613-257-GIVE (4483) or alunn@carletonplacehosp.com. Charitable Registration No. 86610 5398 RR0001.
About the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation – Established in 1994, the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds for the CPDMH in support of providing the best healthcare possible to the residents of Carleton Place and surrounding communities. Each year the CPDMH Foundation inspires the community to support the needed purchase of modern and up-to-date patient care equipment which is needed for the hospital. In addition to providing vital equipment, the CPDMH Foundation also raises funds to support staff education and training; high school bursaries for students entering the medical field; and medical equipment and upgrades to the hospital facility.
