By battlefordsNOW

Sask. Hospital volunteer challenges Chamber businesses, community

May 16, 2018 | 11:00 AM

A volunteer on the committee for the new Saskatchewan Hospital challenged the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce members to match his own donation.

Chris Odishaw, owner of Battleford Furniture Ltd., issued his challenge at the chamber’s Tuesday meeting. Odishaw is contributing $10,000 on behalf of his business to help furnish and equip the new hospital, and said he hopes to see other chamber members doing the same.

“We’re challenging all other businesses to step up and contribute to all of our futures,” he said. “It’s not only a great cause and a great facility, but the economic viability of our community relies on it.”

Odishaw, also a former mayor of the Town of Battleford, said many jobs have been created in constructing the new hospital and more new jobs will be coming once the facility is completed. Odishaw said the project is a $222-million investment in the local community by the provincial government, which “will sustain our community for a long, long time.”

Chamber President Terry Caldwell, who owns Empress Furniture and Decor, Carpet Superstore, and Porta Bella Restaurant with his wife Stacey, took up the challenge and agreed to donate $10,000 to the hospital’s New Beginnings campaign. In turn, Odishaw then committed $2,000 on behalf of Battleford Furniture Ltd. to the Battlefords Citizens on Patrol, a local volunteer organization that Caldwell supports.

long-term care

La Ronge housing shortage discussed at SUMA convention

12h ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

14h ago

Missing pet

'She means the world to our family': Woman seeks help in finding missing pet parrot

16h ago

“The president of the chamber met my challenge of $10,000 so I thought the least I could do is support his cause,” Odishaw said. “I think you’ll see quite a few other businesses step up to the challenge because businesses recognize the importance of economic development.”  

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW