EKFH provides link for Better Babies

Submitted by EKFH on 16-11-2011

Cranbrook, BC… Sometimes in the work of East Kootenay Foundation for Health, gifts will arrive in the most unique way. Case in point is a recent conversation between Pat Chisholm (Interior Health’s Better Babies Outreach Program Coordinator) and Donna Grainger (EKFH Executive Director).

Donna explains, “Pat always brings interesting stories into our office about the Better Babies program. This particular one was her hope to build a stroller storage area, gazebo and play house. Although she didn’t feel there was any viable funding available it was the ability for EKFH to network between community and charity that made her wish come true.”

The hope soon turned into reality with the help of Tim Strauss, Manager of Cranbrook’s Home Depot and Paul Duczek, Instructor of Mount Baker Senior Secondary School’s new program ‘GEN ~ Girls Extreme Makeover’. Home Depot’s generosity of supplying over $600 in construction supplies allowed Paul to take his Grade 10-12 female students into the world of non-traditional trades training by building the three requested items.

The Better Babies Outreach Program offers support, education and resources during pregnancy and the first year of the new baby’s life in order to prevent low birth weight babies and other poor pregnancy outcomes and support the healthy transition to parenting a new child.

East Kootenay Foundation for Health wishes to recognize and thank Home Depot and MBSS for thinking outside the box and for helping a beneficial community program grow.
 

Gathering for a celebration photo are the building crew of the Mount Baker Senior Secondary School – Girls Extreme Makeover group accompanied by instructor Paul Duczek, Tim Strauss (Home Depot),  Pat Chisholm and Robyn Rader of the Better Babies Outreach Program.