4 August 2022
Little Current/Mindemoya, ON - On September 6, 2022, Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) received a donation of $1,000 from Spanish River Chapter #237, Order of the Eastern Star. These funds are earmarked for the chemotherapy unit at the Mindemoya site.
The Order of the Eastern Star was established on Manitoulin in 1947. The Spanish River Chapter #237, Order of the Eastern Star takes in Manitoulin, Massey and the Espanola areas. The Order of the Eastern Star is based on teachings from the Bible but is open to people of all religious beliefs. There are approximately 10,000 chapters in 20 different countries and approximately 500,000 members under the General Grand Chapter. The local chapter is proudly supported by close to 100 members. According to Alice Varey Secretary and Worthy Matron Elect, our Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Ontario, had for her special project this past year “Camp Oochigeas” which is an oncology camp that supports kids and families affected by childhood cancer. Our Worthy Matron, Vanesa Jo Woods, a cancer survivor herself had to travel to Sudbury for her treatments decided on supporting the Chemo room in Mindemoya to keep the money locally, supporting the people on the Manitoulin Island so they don’t need to travel to Sudbury for their treatments.
When asked about the donation, Paula Fields, President and CEO said “MHC is grateful to receive the support of our chemotherapy department from the Order of the Eastern Star. This donation will not only ensure our community is better served, but that the newly enhanced chemotherapy department in Mindemoya will continue to grow to better support our patients. A huge thank you to the Order of the Eastern Star for their support.”
For any media inquiries, please contact
Kelly (KT) Timmermans
Communications and Development Co-ordinator
Manitoulin Health Centre
(705) 368-2300, ext. 2335
Photo credit: Tom Sasvari, Manitoulin Expositor The Order of the Eastern Star. Pictured left to right: Ursula Paxton Past District Deputy Grand Matron, Alice Varey Secretary and Worthy Matron Elect, Vanesa Jo Woods Worthy Matron and Grand Representative of Maryland in Ontario, Jim Woods Worthy Patron, Mary-Lea Buchan District Deputy Grand Matron of District 15.
The Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is a two-site small rural hospital serving the people of Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). We are proud to operate on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek people. MHC is committed to ongoing action, awareness, and education that build on reconciliation efforts, and to work against anti-Indigenous racism. We honour the land and First nations presence, practices, language, ceremonies and protocols..
