Steffler Foundation, Hospice receive McGavin funds - April 18, 2019

BY DENNY SCOTT

After a successful auction earlier this month, McGavin Farm Equipment Ltd. topped up the $16,000 that was raised through a fundraising auction to donate $35,000 to be split by the Huron Residential Hospice and the Tanner Steffler Foundation.

The farm equipment company hosted a special cheque presentation event on April 10 to mark the donations.

Originally, the company had planned on matching what was raised, but co-owners Jeff and Brian McGavin decided to raise the amount to $17,500 per recipient, representing slightly less than $10,000 given to each organization by the company.

John Steffler of the Tanner Steffler Foundation said that the funds will go towards continuing projects at the foundation, including the Navigator Project, as well as the ongoing fundraising for a mental health services facility in Huron County.

He said that, like last year, an emphasis on funds raised making their way back to the community will be the focus.

The Huron Hospice, represented on April 10 by nurses and registered nurses, will be using the funds for operational purposes, keeping the palliative care centre operational.

Jay McFarlan, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at Huron Hospice, said the donation “will be used to directly support the residents at Huron Hospice, and their families.”

“Our team of specially-trained nurses provide care, comfort and compassion, 24/7, for people in their final days or weeks of life,” he said, adding the funds will go towards continuing that service. “We all live in a brighter community thanks to their service, which would not be possible without the generous support of [McGavin Farm Equipment]. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event.”

Ryan and Sally Brindley of Brindley Auctions, who ran the sale, were on hand for the donations as well, saying that it was a well-attended and well-received event.

“There was a pretty strong, and good crowd overall,” Ryan said. “Every piece was sold and the McGavins are good people to work with.”