Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital staff donation supports local Pride programming
The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) has made a donation of $150 to Queer Connection Lanark (QCL), supporting its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs as well as youth initiatives.
According to a release from PSFDH, the contribution was raised through the hospital’s weekly Denim Day fundraiser, with June’s proceeds earmarked in celebration of Pride Month. “This is the first time they have made a donation to QCL and we were wonderfully surprised to hear that they had thought of us to raise money for,” said member Elizabeth Snyder.
In August, Mackenzie Richardson, chair of the PSFDH Workplace Wellness Committee, presented a cheque to Elizabeth Snyder of Queer Connection Lanark.
“We’re honoured to support the work Queer Connection Lanark is doing to create a more inclusive and welcoming community,” Richardson said. “Our donation reflects our team’s commitment to fostering equity and belonging both inside and outside the workplace.”
Snyder told Lanarkist that during this particular time of socio-political upheaval, QCL feels it is even more important now than ever that marginalized communities are seen and supported. “For the past years, the 2SLGBTQI+ community has noticed the rainbow flag at both the Perth Hospital and the Smiths Falls Hospital. This speaks volumes, knowing that when we require medical care we will be treated with dignity and respect.”
“Also this year at the Pride celebrations the hospitals were present, canvassing to hire future employees. It is important that the general public understand that ‘we are your neighbours’.
While QCL is not certain yet what the money will go towards, they hope to do something to help kids. “We explained to PSFDH that QCL was donating children’s books to the Perth & District Library and also the Lanark Highlands Public Library,” Snyder explained. “They were pleased that we would use their donation to purchase books for the Smiths Falls Library – all to help children and youth see themselves, making a safe and inclusive world.”