The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist has shut its doors and given its remaining bank account funds to the Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA).
Liz Kozakowski, president of the parish, said they’re disbanding due to lack of support and membership, and felt the need to give back to the community, since the church had the support of the community for so long. “We got a list from the hospital of their needs, and then we went through the list and selected equipment that all of us have been affected by, or we’ve used, or someone is still dealing with issues. We wanted to support those areas.” The donation is also in memory of Betty and Walter Toporowsky, Boris Bobesko, and Drest Prysiazniuk.
A total $129,555.78 was donated, and Jasper Robinson of the board of directors for the NRHA, says the money will be allocated to the dialysis unit. The money is being split with a portion going to Spirit Manner, and the rest going towards the emergency room.
“It’s a wonderful feeling. One of our mission statements as a board is to provide good patient safety and care throughout the Northern region. A part of our mission is to have community engagement and partnerships, and to see this happen today means our community engagement is working really well,” noted Robinson. He hopes by this donation others will see the need for donations. Robinson says the NRHA can always use donations, and that the money makes life easier for workers as well as patients.
