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Bed Races fundraiser revs up $48,000 for health care

IMAGE. Supplied by Northern Lights Health Foundation.

Wood Buffalo was the big winner of the 2nd Annual Hospital Bed Races, presented by Raymond James.

The Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) reported 34 businesses and sponsors helped raise $48,000 for local healthcare.

Brent Janke, Director of the Northern Lights Health Foundation Board, thanked the 12 teams, 30 volunteers, and the 300 attendees for participating.

“The laughter and enjoyment [of] all the participants said it all. The level of commitment from this community; our sponsors, volunteers, and all the participants who raised pledges for local healthcare and the donors, who pledged them, is unbelievable.”

Introduced in 2018, Janke added the event brought the community together.

Sponsors also provided a BBQ, water, and treats for participants as well as a bouncy castle for the kids.

Teams of five, with one member on the gurney, race hospital beds along a 100-metre track.

Furthermore, judges award points to the team with the best costumes and team spirit.

The defending champion squad from Finning repeated as winners of the Golden Bed Pan Trophy this year.

Meanwhile, the pediatric nurses’ team, also known as Naptime at the Finish Line, won the Team Spirit award.

Suncor’s ‘ESD Wheels of Fury’ won the Team Fundraising Award.

Lastly, the Individual Team Fundraising Award went to Nadine Allen of Raymond James.

“Raymond James is in the Wealth business, NLHF is in the Health business and without our health, wealth doesn’t matter.” Allen said.

NLHF Executive Director, Cindy Amerogen, said she looks forward to next year’s event.

“Healthcare is for everyone! Participants race for fun and raise for health. They did a great job fundraising and we all had a blast and hope to do it all again next year!”

The 2019 Hospital Bed Races took place at Snye Point Park.