CANORA, SASK.- “Wow.”
That was how Liz Palchewich, organizer, greeted those in attendance as she looked out on Rainbow Hall, filled with laughter and excited conversation at the Canora Hospital Past and Present Staff Reunion on Oct. 3.
Palchewich put on the event with the help of her organizing group: Sherry Walker, Lorri Dennis, Debbie Pozniak, Laurie Tiechko and Donna McCormick. Early on they were thinking it would only be a nurse’s reunion, but then they “quickly decided that no, it needs to be everyone, including RNs, LPNs, CCAs, unit clerks, front office, medical records, lab, x-ray, CSR, pharmacy, dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, physio, home care, public health, doctors, clinic, scheduling and all the visiting complimentary staff- since all working together as a team is what made up this large extension of our own individual families.”
Palchewich said the motivation for having this reunion was relatively simple.
“We all know that visits with each other are not often and mostly short – especially down a grocery aisle, at Tim's, a quick text or even at a funeral. These were the spots I met up with the girls in our organizing group and shared my idea, and they said that's a great idea, let me know when and if you need help.”
Of course there were stories about memorable past incidents, which included a birth in a vehicle outside the hospital, and Lorri Dennis digging through a dumpster looking for someone’s dentures.
Close to 80 tickets for sold for the event. Palchewich led them in a momentary pause to remember.
“To breathe deeply, to feel the presence of friends, colleagues, and companions who have walked alongside us through both the brightest days and the most challenging nights.
“This reunion is more than a gathering; it is a celebration of resilience, compassion, and the shared journey we have undertaken as healthcare workers. Each of us carries stories of patients whose lives touched ours, of moments when we found strength we didn't know we had, and of times when the support of a colleague made all the difference.”
Palchewich led in Grace before the meal.
“Heavenly Creator, we gather here today as friends, colleagues, and fellow caregivers, united by the calling to serve others with skill, empathy, and unwavering dedication. We thank You for the gift of this reunion, for the opportunity to reconnect, to share memories, and to honor the bonds forged in compassion and perseverance. We remember the countless hours spent in service, the challenges faced, and the victories celebrated together.
“We are grateful tor the hands that prepared this meal, for the nourishment it provides, and for the fellowship it accompanies. May this food not only sustain our bodies but also remind us of the importance of caring for ourselves, so that we may continue to care for others.
“Bless each person here as well as those that are no longer with us -who has given their time, skill, and heart to care for those of need in any way, shape or form. Bless the families who supported us, the mentors who guided us, and the patients who entrusted us with their lives.
"May this gathering renew our spirits, strengthen our friendships, and inspire us to carry forward the values that brought us together: compassion, integrity, and hope.
“As we share this meal, may laughter fill the room, may gratitude fill our hearts, and may unity guide our steps in the days ahead.
“In gratitude and unity, we say, Amen.”
The meal included Chester’s Chicken and corn, accompanied by homemade buns, salads and desserts, with the choices of chocolate cake along with raspberry, Saskatoon or strawberry mini trifles, all made by organizing group members.
Lorri Dennis shared some of the Canora District Hospital’s lengthy history.
“The first building was known as the Hugh Waddell Memorial Hospital, built at a time when this area was regarded as pioneer country. It was operated as a missionary hospital and had become a landmark of hope in those early years.
“Funds for the erection of the hospital were given by Mrs. Waddell of Peterborough, Ont. and it was named in memory of her husband Hugh. It was erected under the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Plans to build the hospital were announced in 1912, land was donated and in 1914 the hospital was opened. Dr. E.H. Gray was the first medical superintendent and the lady superintendent was Miss Christine Smith.
“As the years went on the Presbyterian Church had found that they could direct their attention for missionary work in other areas and approached the community with a desire to sell the building. The idea of a Union Hospital District had begun to take hold. A meeting of reeves, councillors and secretaries of the district was held and the plan being discussed was the purchase of the building, with equipment. Negotiations continued until April 1, 1944 when the Saskatchewan Legislature passed an Act allowing the purchase.
“The hospital and equipment was purchased for $25,000 and the Canara Union Hospital Board was formed. The medical staff consisted of Dr. J. Warren and Dr. A. Danylchuk. Extensions were added as the population grew and the total bed complement was 82.
“In 1968 the present facility on Main Street was constructed and consisted of 50 beds with two operating theatres, a Westinghouse unit for the x-ray department, an incubator and 10 acres of land for a garden which supplied most of the vegetables needed. 1989 saw a medical staff of Dr. Mamin Lee-Sing, Dr. Swithin Lee-Sing, Dr. Zenovey Danylchuk and Dr. Ashok Sachdeva. Department heads were Mavis Bouey, director of nursing; Laurie Heshka, pharmacist; Ann Gorenko, housekeeping; Sophie Fullawka, dietary; Donna Makowsky, laboratory; Mildred Danuyluk, radiology; Howard Demchuk, maintenance; Lucille Stocen, medical records; Ronald Kitchen, accountant and Daniel Florizone, administrator.”
Elizabeth Palchewich closed the evening by expressing gratitude to the other members of the organizing group, and then added, “I hope you all had fun. Take care, drive home safe and just maybe we would do this again in the future!”
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