May 28, 2006

Dear Editor

This is a message for the community of the Battlefords and District. 

Congratulations!  You have met my challenge dollar for dollar!

I was unable to be at the Operation Dollar for Dollar announcement.  But, I am pleased my little sister Shauna was able to represent the Wilson family at this great event!  When I first conceived the idea last December of challenging the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation to arrange funds to match my donation my goal was twofold: to test the mettle of the community that uses the Battlefords Union Hospital, and to raise the profile of the hospital and highlight what the Battlefords need to obtain: a state of the art health facility to serve families in the Battlefords.  I didn’t once doubt the community could find the funds.  I knew that people in the Battlefords region shared my concern that waiting for someone else to take care of things would always mean tomorrow was the day.  And as Alice in Wonderland observes "tomorrow never comes - it is always today!"

Well today is the day the BUH Foundation found a way to not only match my challenge - they topped it - and topped it big time.  In a way, tomorrow has come, becauseof this community rallying to participate.

I am extremely impressed with the efforts behind the $4$ campaign - a very timely and professional program - and $500k plus is an oustanding outcome.  I am also pleased to confirm I will step up further to match the community efforts to the tune of $500,000 and congratulate all those involved.

I am proud of my roots and the great citizens of the Battlefords.  Just as each of you should be.  The announcement made a wonderful day for the Battlefords that my family and I are pleased to have played a role in.  "Well done" to all of you.

W. Brett Wilson

Calgary