Fort Kent ~ Northern Maine Medical Center (NNMC) CEO Peter Sirois announced that the hospital’s annual report to the community for 2014 is being dedicated to the Northern Maine Medical Center Guild. Sirois said, “We are deeply humbled by the magnitude of the Guild’s contributions and we commend them for their outstanding performance. “ Each year the annual report is dedicated to a group who has had a significant impact on the organization and the lives of patients that it serves.
Just prior to the grand opening of the hospital on August 13, 1952, the Hospital Ladies Guild, now referred to as the Northern Maine Medical Center Guild, was organized to financially support the needs of patients. Over the last sixty two years, these women have endeavored to spread sunshine and never expect anything in return except the rewards one receives from giving to others. Steady and true to the cause, the hardworking volunteers of the Northern Maine Medical Center Guild have stood for selflessness, generosity and hard work since before the original Peoples’ Benevolent Hospital was built in the early 1950’s.
The members of the Guild, past and present, have made countless valuable contributions to the hospital’s cause. They have achieved unbelievable targets with their constant and untiring fundraising efforts. These individuals not only contribute financially, but they also give the gift of time and creativity. Some of the heartfelt gestures they perform year round are: crafting holiday favors to brighten up the meal trays of hospitalized patients, donating a toy from the gift shop to each hospitalized child, providing daily newspapers for patients at Forest Hill and multiple hospital departments, making clothing available for patients coming to the ER and caroling during the Christmas holiday season to bring cheer to those who are ill and suffering.
In perusing the Guild archives, evidence was found of at least forty seven scholarships that have been awarded to local students for a total of nearly $25,000. Donations to fund the purchase of equipment and supplies as well as supporting renovation projects total in excess of $200,000. These large numbers were achieved almost exclusively through small scale fundraisers for items ranging from $1 each to $20. NMMC extends its grateful appreciation to the volunteer individuals who together form the Northern Maine Medical Center Guild.
To learn more about the NMMC Guild or to make a donation, contact Guild President, Doris Stevens at 834-6729.