KIM COULTER Communications Specialist, Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation
KAWARTHA LAKES: As local ‘do it yourself’ experts, the owners of Rustically Signed in Lindsay knew if they wanted to help frontline caregivers protect the community from COVID-19, putting their talents to work would make good things happen. Knowing that people would be looking for ways to pass their time at home, while practising physical distancing, Steph Buckley and Holly Suddick launched a promotion that raised funds for the Heroes At Heart effort, through sales of their Do It Yourself (DIY) Kits. The response was inspiring. With customers eager to support the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation through their crafting purchases, Rustically Signed was able to donate $1,246. “We receive so much support from our community, we just wanted to give back,” said Steph Buckley. “Leave it to the owners of Rustically Signed to find a creative way to help,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “Together with their customers, they’re funding equipment and technology that impacts patient care every day, from the COVID-related needs the hospital is experiencing, to the ECGs that are needed to detect heart problems, as well as lung disease and kidney failure. Donors really are heroes at heart.” Together with Dr. Jeremy Jones, the RMH Foundation has mailed letters throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes, seeking support for the Heroes at Heart appeal.