SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Approximately 25 fewer patients will be flying out-of-territory each year for a particular shoulder surgery, thanks in part to the funds raised at the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation's annual fundraiser, which also raised money for other necessary hospital equipment.

Dr. Lee Ekert, orthopedic surgeon at Stanton Territorial Hospital, left, and Tracy Matesic, clinical co-ordinator, explained what shoulder arthroscopy is, and why the service is needed in Yellowknife, to guests at the Northwestel Festival of Giving on Saturday night. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo

The sold-out event filled the Explorer Hotel ballroom for the Northwestel Festival of Giving last weekend - a night of dinner, dancing and auctions. The festival raises money for the foundation to make necessary purchases for the hospital. As well as a live and silent auction, a "Dutch auction" raised $18,000 - $3,000 more than the goal - for the foundation to purchase shoulder surgery equipment.

"For shoulder arthroscopy, we have to fly patients to Edmonton right now for consultation, surgery and follow-up. That's three appointments in Edmonton. So, we want to bring it to Yellowknife because we have a surgeon now that can do this," said Rebecca Alty, executive director of the foundation.

The surgery is common, Alty said, adding up to approximately 25 patients per year, or about two per month. The total cost of the equipment is $55,000, with the remainder already raised through other donations.

In the "Dutch auction", the bidding started at the hopeful $15,000, and auctioneer Daryl Dolynny - Frame Lake MLA by day - encouraged individuals and organizations to pitch in and raise the money. Ultimately, three combined bids brought in $18,000.

The event also raised money for the purchase of equipment in various wings, through "The Giving Catalogue," which is a list formulated by hospital CEO Brenda FitzGerald, based on requests from staff.

As corporate tables at the event were purchased at $2,500 each, a portion of the money went toward buying a specific piece of equipment from the catalogue.

"For example, the CIBC portion is going to rocking chairs for obstetrics, others are for occupational therapy," said Alty. "So, it's not just a fundraiser for one thing."

"There are just so many pieces of equipment that the hospital needs, so the budget that they get from the GNWT isn't sufficient to cover all of this," said Alty. "We're able to enhance care through the hospital with events like this."