Congratulations to all who have volunteered in a dental capacity, contractors, fundraisers, and donors, Volunteer Dental Outreach went over the $500,000 in free dental treatments this week after being open less than 22 months. It was fitting that Dr. Purc and his wife Kathy were volunteering when the milestone was reached as they have been volunteering regularly on a weekly basis since last year. Our total after Dr. Kerr and Dr. Oldfin and Lindsay vanDyk added their contributions for the week is now $519,376.20 for 292 patients over 1401 appointments. We have now screened 441 applicants and have 65 patients waiting for a first appointment.
This week we will reach a major Milestone!
This week we will reach a milestone. We have tracked the number of procedures we have performed at our free clinic since it opened on May 19, 2011. We have to date seen 283 patients over 1344 appointments and provided what would have cost $497, 394.60 had these patients paid for these services at a dental office. That means that this week, we will hit $500K in free treatments.
There are so many people to thank for this achievement. The Dentists who have contributed by donating their time and expertise have included, Dr. John Purc, Dr. William Kerr, Dr. Bradley Oldfin, Dr. Richard Bastien, Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Dr. James Hyland, Dr. Edward Busvek, Dr. Laurie Houston, Dr. Mark Baluschak, Dr. Bill Moebus and Dr. Ian Gray. We are thrilled that next month Dr. Ed Smolen will be added to our team.
Our team has also included the following volunteer dental hygienists who have contributed by scaling teeth and giving oral hygiene instruction to help our patients maintain healthier smiles: Lisa Stoughton, Melanie Aldom, Lyndsey van Dyk, Wendy Wardlaw, Lee-Ann Mitchell, Sara Agnew, Annie Nelson, Erin Stephen, Cindy Velez and Sonya Grewal.
We have also had the benefit of many wonderful dental assistants and front desk administrators including: Dana Robertson, Linda Neuman, Cheryl Bathe, Joyce Stephens, Chery Evans, Loretta Kerr, Brenda Nicholson, Lindsay Kramp, Cori Kelley, Cori Abs, Linda Askew, Isabelle Bastien, Kathy Purc, Daphne Jaynes, Sandra Slauenwhite-Box.
We have also had the benefit of Image Dental and Brentwood dental labs generously reducing their lab fees for the processing of dentures for many of our patients.
We must not forget the tremendous donations of labour and material provided by the small army of people who built the clinic especially Alex Roome Construction, Preban Gustavson, Churko Electric, Ray Ralph, Jason Reay Construction, Scott Welch, Mark Roberts, Mike and Cathy Stephens of System Software Support, Mark and Roberta Coles of First Page SEO, SIRCH Community Services, Wade and Jane Woodward of the Pump Shop, Greg Schefee and Haliburton TIMBR-Mart, Parker Pad and Printing, Patterson Dental and the National Design Team, the original steering committee members, HCDC, Barb Bolin, Municipality of Dysart et al and our very dedicated Board of Directors.
Lastly, but certainly not least, Ms. Skye Smith who has assisted every day since July 2011 and helping each volunteer feel welcome and at home in the clinic. Skye is also responsible for keeping the clinic stocked with the materials used by each of the volunteers, being available to respond to patients between volunteer work days and preparing dentures for the many patients who have received new complete and partial dentures since we started.
And finally, without the generous support of our many sponsors and donations from the community and abroad, our clinic wouldn't be possible. To everyone who has attended a fundraiser, made a donation no matter how small, you have contributed to Volunteer Dental Outreach's meeting this milestone of $500,000.00 in free dental care for Haliburton County residents who cannot afford dental treatment. In under two years 283 patients are grateful for the care they have been given and we still have a long way to go to meet the demand for this program.
Thanks to all who have contributed and let's keep this project alive.
Sincerely, Lisa Kerr, Director Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County
Haliburton Rotary and Volunteer Dental Outreach Are Working together on Auction Fundraiser
This year the Haliburton Rotary Club has invited the Volunteer Dental Outreach Board to help run their auction. The auction is set to take place on February 9, 2013 at the Haliburton Legion and will be celebrating Chinese New Year's Eve. Tickets can be purchased from a Volunteer Dental Outreach Board Member or Haliburton Rotary Club member and are $25.00 for dinner and auction. You can support VDO and Haliburton Rotary by attending the auction and or providing silent auction prizes.
As our calendar year wraps up we are pleased to report that we have had eleven dentists and nine hygienists donate their very valuable time to help patients here at the free dental clinic. This has amounted to 1295 appointments for 273 patients and over $480,315 in free dental services since opening our doors less than 2 years ago. We are still actively recruiting more dental professionals as our waiting list is currently 50 patients who have qualified to attend the clinic but realistically we will need an additional 6-8 dentists to take care of these patients in a timely manner.
Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who have worked in the clinic, the Board Members who oversee and fundraise to keep the clinic open and to the individuals and businesses who continue to support which has turned out to be a very needed service to the underprivileged in our community.
Thank you to Heike Roome and all who contribute to the Book Sale at TD Bank Minden
What a fabulous idea- and fundraiser. Thanks to Heike Roome, at the TD Bank who was able to raise $500.00 for Volunteer Dental Outreach as well as a number of other local groups in Minden by co-ordinating an on-going used book exchange. People bring their used books to the bank and others purchase the books for a nominal donation. Heike has been able to raise $2500.00 this way and contributed money to the hospitals, food for kids, and Volunteer Dental Outreach. Thanks to Heike and all of you who purchased used books at TD Bank.
Volunteer Dental Outreach is pleased to report that since we opened in May 2011, we have helped 259 Haliburton County residents who cannot afford dental care by providing 1183 appointments and over $435,974.00 in free dental treatments. We still have a long way to go however with 70 people currently on our waiting list.
Myers Chimney Donated $1000 to VDO
Local businessman Ian Myers has donated $1000.00 to Volunteer Dental Outreach. Mr. Myers explained that he has been fortunate with the success of his business and wants to give back to the community. At Volunteer Dental Outreach we are very pleased that Myers Chimney considered our Charity when there are so many needs in Haliburton County. Thank you and we will use the funds towards the operating expenses of running the clinic which has helped 251 patients to date providing 1113 appointments and over $412,314.02 of free dental care.
Green Shield Canada Donated $20,000.00 to VDO though Community Giving Grant
Volunteer Dental Outreach was awarded a Community Giving Program Grant by Green Shield Canada. After reviewing an application submitted in February 2012, Green Shield awarded Volunteer Dental Outreach $20,000.00 to help us help our patients who cannot afford dental care. This money will provide enough funding for four months of clinic operations. This gift in addition to our fundraising efforts will mean that we can continue to operate for the next year. Thank you Green Shield Canada
Toonies For Teeth Campaign in all Local Grocery Stores an Example Our Great Community Spirit
This fall local grocery stores in Minden, Haliburton, Eagle Lake and Wilberforce joined forces to help the tooth fairy raise funds for the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County. This fundraising campaign was able to raise $1890.00 towards the operating costs of the volunteer dental clinic which has to date helped 245 patients by providing 1054 appointments and over $390,000 in free dental care to patients otherwise unable to afford it. Thank you to all who contributed their toonies to this campaign and for all the grocery store staff members who co-operated with the campaign.
Second Annual Golf Fundraiser a Tremendous Success
August 16, 2012 was a fantastic day for golf and for the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County. Pinestone hosted a first class golf tournament including a breakfast buffet and banquet out by the pond on a gorgeous summer day. Thanks to our golfers, sponsors and those who donated silent auction prizes, this tournament was able to raise just over $28,000.00 for the VDO.
Congratulations to all our participants and in particular the winning groups including:
Top Foursome of Len Heise, Matt Kelly, Mike Storey and Craig Jermyn Top Mixed Foursome of Tim and Lynda Wood, Brad and Heather Laviolette Top Ladies Foursome of Marci Mandel, Carol McClennan, Chris Cochrane and Roberta Coles
The winners of the skill contests were
Men's Long Drive Alex Monk-Cray Ladies Long Drive Lori Isenbaum Men's Closest to the Pin Len Heise Ladie's Closest to the Pin Pennie Murray Youngest Golfer Jack Kent
Special thanks to our Celebrity golfer, NHL superstar, Mark Napier who played "Beat the Pro" with most of our golfers; Sylvia and Wayne Rose for providing this year's winning foursomes with designer coffee mugs to commemorate the event and Charles O'Neil for the skill contest prizes for Long Drive and Closest to the Pin.
Please remember to reserve August 15, 2013 for the 3rd Annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Golf Tournament.
Made In Haliburton Fundraiser Yields $400.00
Congratulations to Dr. David Fielding the winner of the Jim Cuddy tickets for the concert August 16 and thank you to Don and Marie Gage of Made in Haliburton for setting up the online auction, administering it and making sure the tickets were picked up on time. Volunteer Dental Outreach appreciates your support and efforts to help us help patients who cannot afford dentistry get the help they need.
Gals, Golf, Grub & Giggles Golf Fun Day at Carnarvon Family Golf Centre
Volunteer Dental Outreach would like to thank Pennie Murray, Jack and Leo Kent for hosting a spectacular fun day to benefit VDO at Carnarvon Family Golf. The event, an 18 hole round on an Executive course, was a sold out event. The event which included a putting competition and break the glass event raised $750.00. Then evening concluded with a wonderful dinner and The Peppermill with entertainment by Yuk Yuk's. Thank you to Pennie and her wonderful sons for all their hard work and to Dear Carolyn Ludlow for supporting the event with a gift for each participant. See below for details about the upcoming major fundraiser Golf Tournament at Pinestone Resort on Thursday August 16, 2012.
GOLF TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION
Plans are well underway for the Second Annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Golf Tournament to be held on THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2012 at PINESTONE RESORT. Click on the following links for REGISTRATION DETAILS AND FORMS. This event was a huge success last year and we expect to sell out this year so register early so as not to be disappointed. Rooms are available at a special rate for Wed. August 15 if you wish to come up the night before. Our tournament is a morning event with breakfast and lunch included. Come out and support this worthwhile charity. Since we began seeing patients May 19, 2011 we have helped over 217 patients, provided over 938 appointments and completed over $340,000. in free dental services.
Imagine what it would be like not be able to afford a dental appointment when you are living in constant pain. We see people every clinic day in that condition who are managing by taking painkillers and eating on the other side if that works. Some are having to have their food mashed because they can't chew at all. We now have a waiting list of 70 people. many of our patients have never had their teeth cleaned.
Please come out and help us reach our fundraising goal of $30,000.00.
Please consider sponsoring the event or donating to the silent auction. All proceeds go to the operational costs of running the free clinic.
If you are a dentist, dental assistant or dental hygienist and wish to volunteer please contact us. We need your help as the demand continues to grow for this service.
Reg Charity Number 84297 9486 RR0001
May Update- HCDC Grant for $10,000 approved
Volunteer Dental Outreach reached our first year of seeing patients milestone on May 19 and is proud to report that we have been able to provide over $271,000 in our first year of operation and been able to help 177 patient. In an effort to recruit more Dental volunteers we have sent a media release out to Oral Health, The Ontario Dentist magazine and the Canadian Dental Hygiene magazine who have gratiously agreed to post our Dentists to Dock's campaign either in their magazines or online. Some of the cottage newsletters are also posting information about our program in an attempt to attract volunteers. We would love to have more dental volunteers to assist us because the demand for our program continues to grow (as does our waiting list). Recent statistics show that one in six people living close to the poverty level do not receive any dental care. Many people in our community are employed seasonally and earning relatively low wages which makes it difficult to afford the necessities of shelter and food. Appointments for dental cleanings or anything short of emergencies are not feasible for this sector of the population. If you can help out by volunteering, or donating to Volunteer Dental Outreach please contact us.
Volunteer Dental Outreach is very grateful to the Haliburton County Development Corporation who have provided up to $10,000.00 in grant money to Volunteer Dental Outreach to expand the duties of our dental assistant to facilitate more dental screenings and oversight of the clinic up to four days per week.
Minden Rotary Makes $525.00 Donation
Dr. Kerr was invited to speak to the Minden Rotary Club on April 30 about how Volunteer Dental Outreach came to be and all of the community support received. He highlighted the recent statistics of how much need there is in our community and the amount our volunteer dental professionals have done since May 19. Minden Rotary presented Dr. Kerr with a $500.00 contribution of the August 16 Golf Tournament in the form of a Hole Sponsorship and $25.00 honorarium. Thank you Minden Rotary.
April News- Haliburton Rotary Donates $5000.00
We are midway through April already and there is much to report. Volunteer Dental Outreach was thrilled to receive a very generous donation from the Haliburton Rotary Club. This funding will help support the operating costs of our growing work load of our Dental Assistant and Volunteer Dentists and Dental Hygienists. To date our volunteers have provided $250,320 in free dental care over 725 appointments for 174 patients. Our concern is that the waiting list continues to grow and we now have over 250 people who have qualified financially and are waiting for appointments.
This has prompted a new initiative to recruit Dentists called "Dentists to the Docks". In order to manage demand for this program, we will need more volunteer dental professionals and we encourage anyone interested to contact Lisa Kerr 705-286-3696 or Skye Smith 705 457-3111. We would be happy to arrange a tour of our facility and answer any questions about how the program is run.
Plans are underway for our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament- Save the date - August 16, 2012 and sponsorships are still available.
Volunteer Dental Outreach to Commence Operating Independantly March 1, 2012
After a tremendously successful first year as a program of SIRCH Community Services, Volunteer Dental Outreach is ready to take over all aspects of running the volunteer dental clinic which will include patient screenings as of March 1, 2012. SIRCH Community Services will continue to accept donations of funds for people interested in supporting the clinic and these funds will be used exclusively to financially support the operating expenses of the VDO while the newly formed Not-for-profit corporation awaits registered charity status of its own. A Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Board of Directors of Volunteer Dental Outreach and SIRCH Community Services outlines the arrangement intended to cover this transitional period. We are pleased that we have been able to provide over $197,000 in free dental care to 148 patients in need, by offering 585 appointments to low income residents of our community.
On another note, the Volunteer Dental Outreach was recently recognized at the Haliburton Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony as the recipient of the 2012 Warden's Award. Congratulations to all the hard working volunteers from the planning, construction, fundrasing, publishing, advertising, management and of course the dental professionals who have come together to care for the needs of the less fortunate in our county. Thank you to Warden Murray Fearrey for your help with this project and for honouring Volunteer Dental Outreach.
January 2012 Update
Thank you to all have supported the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County by volunteering your time and talents, financially and with in kind donations. As of the end of January, the clinic has seen 142 patients over 531 appointments and provided $181,357.00 in free dental services surpassing our initial estimate of 150,000 in the first year in eight months of operation. We are very pleased with this accomplishment but are very aware that the need for this service is continuing to increase as 18 new names have just been added to our bulging waiting list and many more are waiting to be screened for eligibility.
We are always looking for new Dentists who wish to help us treat these very needy and appreciative patients. The time commitment is entirely dependant on what you are willing to provide as we book appointments to suit each provider's specific preferences. Contact Bill or Lisa Kerr if you or anyone you know with expertise in the dental field might be interested in volunteering- 705 286-3696
Patient News Publishing Creates and Donates Newsletter
One of our mandates at the Volunteer Dental Outreach is to provide education about preventative dental care. Thanks to Patient News Publishing we are able to give our patients a wonderful newsletter produced and provided by Patient News Publishing which highlights flossing techniques and healthy habits to help maintain a healthy smile. Thank you Patient News!
System Software Donates Remote Backup System
One of the stresses of operating a dental office with digital imaging and electronic records is the fear that one day the system may be down and information lost. We take the necessary precautions by running daily back-ups (the hardware for which was donated by System software) but System Software and Support has gone a step further and donated remote back-up to secure the data for our patients and dentists peace of mind. Thank you once again to Cathy and Mike Stephens for your ongoing support for Volunteer Dental Outreach.
Happy New Year 2012
Thank you to the Ya Baby's, Mark Christiano and Craig Titus, and all the generous people who donated prizes for the Silent Auction. And thank you to all who participated in the auction. $2341 was raised last night to go towards keeping the free dental clinic running. What a wonderful community Haliburton County is that so many people continue to pitch in a whatever way they can to help the less advantaged people in our midst.
December update and New Year's Fundraiser
Hello everyone, great news! Our program has provided over $154,000 in free dentistry to low income 132 residents of Haliburton County since we opened on May 19th) Our volunteer dentists and hygienists have provided 470 appointments since our opening day (we still have many people on a waiting list to get in asap). This achievement is astonishing when you realize that this program was only a dream last December. Look for a press release in the Weekender to highlight our volunteer team's achievements.
And- This New Year's Eve ring in the new year with the Ya Baby's at the Carnarvon Bowling Alley and support Volunteer Dental Outreach's Silent Auction. Great prizes are up for auction including a signed Robert Luongo jersey and an original seat from Maple Leaf Gardens. We have Leaf tickets, Raptor tickets, a beautiful print and many more prizes for auction.
Also thank you to the guests of Alan and Anne Gordan's Annual Christmas party for raising $91.00 in donations and the "Girls at the Kozy Korner" Restaurant in Haliburton made a Christmas donation of $121.75. Thank you all for your generosity and caring.
RBC Foundation Donates $1500.00 to the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County
The Volunteers at the VDOHC were thrilled to receive the call from Elizabeth O'Connor reporting that the RBC Foundation was donating $1500.00 to our cause. This was especially timely news as on the same day it was necessary to purchase a new "used" compressor as the previous compressor was beyond repair. (The compressor is an essential piece of equipment which runs the dental handpieces without which we could not work). Our patients and volunteers are extremely grateful to Hebba Dweiri and the business donations committee of RBC Dominion Securities for this donation.
October 2011 Update
We are pleased to report that as of October 28, our clinic has been able to help over 110 patients with their extreme dental needs and provided over 314 appointments. Our team of dental professionals has completed over $102,147.00 worth of free dental work for the Haliburton County community. We have a long way to go. New patients are being approved daily for acceptance to the program and we are currently booking appointments in November and December for our existing patients. This is creating a wait-list which we are working through trying to take the most urgent cases first. If you know of any dentists who wish to join our team please contact Bill or Lisa Kerr at 705 286-3696.
Halhi 18 Holes Ladies Golf League donates to the Volunteer Dental Outreach
The Haliburton 18 Hole Ladies Golf League, also known as the Drivers made a special donation to the Volunteer Dental Outreach Volunteers Lisa Kerr and Sandra Slauenwhite-Box on Sept 14, 2011 at Blairhampton Golf Course. The ladies golf league has held 50/50 draws over the 13 week golf season and been able to raise $673.00 to donate to the Volunteer Dental Outreach. As the gift was received it was announced that to date the clinic has been open for just under 4 months and has seen 76 different patients over 191 appointments and been able to provide over $67,000.00 worth of free dentistry to people who are in dire need of dental services and unable to pay for them. The money raised by the ladies golf league will be used to purchase dental supplies used by the volunteer dental professionals who donate their time and skills at the clinic for residents of Haliburton County. A sincere thank you to Linda Boshan for her organization of the draws and all of the ladies of the league who participated.
First Annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Raised Over $22,000.00
120 golfers participated in the First Annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Golf Tournament on a fabulous day in August. The best ball tournament guests were treated to a surprise special guest on the 17th Tee who challenged them to beat the Celebrity. Organizers would like to thank World Champion Figure Skater and Host of the Battle of the Blades, Kurt Browning for playing the closest to the hole game with the participants. We would also like to thank his caddy, NHL Hall of Fame former Chief Referee, Scotty Morrison for greeting golfers. After a fantastic lunch of fresh oysters and sushi, roast beef, shrimp and salads the fun continued with a live auction run by both Mr. Browning and Mr. Morrison. Feedback from this event has encouraged us to maintain the format for next years 2nd Annual VDO Golf Tournament. Special auction items included a rare #4 Boston Bruin jersey signed by Bobby Orr and special one of kind items signed by Matt Duchene and Cody Hodgson
The Winning Foresome included Grant Johnson, Mike Fleming, Mike Brophy and Brad May The Winning Mixed Foresome included Len Heise, Karen Heise, Matt Kelly and Shanna Kelly. The Winning Ladies Foresome included Dr. Kristy Gammon, Dr. Aoife Conway, Deb Watson and Janet Bottum
Plans are underway for next year's tournament to be held on August 16, 2012. This event promises to be every bit as fun as this year's event. Sign up early so as not to be disappointed.
This event would not have been possible without the help of volunteer organizers and donations of auction items as well as the generous donations of our hole and special sponsors. Please click on our Thank you notice below.
McKeck's The Blue Line Gazette and Parker Pad and Printing Donations
The Volunteer Dental Outreach received two generous donations this week. All of the advertising revenue from the McKeck's The Blue Line Gazette skillfully designed by Andrea Hillo of A design and her production team of Bonnie Thompson, Janis Parker, Jerry Grozelle, Maartin Steinkamp, Mark Arike and Steve Galea was donated to the dental outreach. Janis Parker of Parker Pad also donated the printing costs to this project. The funds raised by the efforts and skills and dedication of this team will be used towards the operating costs of running the volunteer dental clinic which serves low income residents of Haliburton County who are otherwise unable to afford dental care. If you haven't already read the McKeck's The Blue Line Gazette, please look for it around Haliburton County and be sure to take notice of all the advertisements. A sincere thank you to all who contributed in so many ways.
EAGLE LAKE GOLF TOURNAMENT TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
The Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County is grateful to the generous cottage group from Eagle Lake who hosted a Charity Golf Tournament with all proceeds to benefit the Volunteer Dental Outreach clinic operating budget. This golf event raised $8800.00 which will go a long way towards covering operating costs for the volunteer clinic.
To date the clinic has had 102 appointments over 22 days and provided $37,394.00 in free dentistry to residents of Haliburton County who cannot afford dental treatment. Our 7 volunteer dentists are committing to more time in the clinic due to the overwhelming needs of their patients.
We are still looking for volunteer dental professionals to help out.
Canada Day Update
Thanks to the many, many volunteers and generous support of the Haliburton community, dental community and local businesses the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County clinic has been open since May 19th. As of June 30th our volunteers have been able to operate the clinic for 12 full days, we have had 62 appointments and have produced $17,142.00 worth of dentistry for our patients who would otherwise not be receiving dental care due to financial need.
How can you help? Due to the severity of many of the patients dental needs, our dentists are wishing to volunteer more days than originally anticipated. This will require more trained dental assistants than we presently have and if you have ever worked as a dental assistant and wish to volunteer, our highly skilled dental assistants and dentists will help you refresh your skills. Some of our dental hygienist volunteers are also helping by assisting. If you are not an assistant yourself and know of someone who might wish to volunteer please share this information with them. To find out more about volunteering contact Lisa Kerr at volunteerdentaloutreachhc@gmail.com.
Golf Tournament Fundraiser to be held August 18 at Blairhampton
Please join us and tell your friends to join us at the first annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Golf Tournament to be held Thursday August 18 in the morning at Blairhampton Golf Course. This will be a best ball format so come and have fun while raising funds for this very worthwhile cause. Golf Invitation and details are below along with the Registration form.
We are so pleased that Ian Tamblyn has once again offered to perform a benefit concert for the Volunteer Dental Outreach. This event will take place on Sunday August 21 from 3-5 p.m. This event is by donation and all proceeds benefit the Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County
On a beautiful summer evening an audience of 60 people enjoyed the musical performance of Thomas Kovacs and the gorgeous sunset over Kenesis Lake. Thank you to all of those who attended, to our gracious host and hostess Ron Kozak and Janis Parker and to Thomas for providing a magical evening. This event was able to raise $2350.00 towards the operating costs of the Volunteer Dental Outreach clinic which serves low income residents of Haliburton County.
See the details about the next concert- CFMA English Songwriter of the year 2010, Ian Tamblyn on August 21st from 3-5 p.m. Concert Details
Volunteer Dental Outreach So Grateful to Zion United Church
A wonderful time was had by all at the Zion United Church Music Night. The near capacity crowd enjoyed pieces performed by the Highlands Male Chorus, Tri-vocals, Dave Hawley and Melissa Stephens and Justin vanLieshout. The hard work of Joan and Fred Chapple and the wonderful refreshments served by Cindy O'Hanley and Mary Hicks were appreciated by all. Thanks to this effort, the fundraising target of $1500.00 was surpassed and a cheque for $1605.00 was given to SIRCH for the volunteer dental clinic to purchase dental supplies for the clinic.
"A Small Act" Fundraiser Huge Success
Thank you to all who attended the move night to benefit Volunteer Dental Outreach for Haliburton County on Thursday April 28. Your support was truly appreciated. Thanks also to Those Other Movies and their sponsors for covering the theatre and distribution expenses to show the inspiring and powerful film and to the volunteers who came out to run the movie, Tammy, Peggy and Carol.
Our next scheduled fundraiser will take place at the Zion United Church in Carnarvon on June 11 when the Highlands Male Chorus and Tri-Vocals trio will perform a spring concert to benefit VDOHC. Stay tuned for information on how to purchase tickets.
APRIL NEWS
End of April and we are painting and flooring. Our crew of volunteer painters include, Mark Roberts, Gidget Lougheed, Marty Dolman and Graham, Kris Ommen and Dan Goodwin. Our flooring volunteers includes, Alex Roome on ceramics, Ritchie Mills on laminate flooring and Ted Ecclestone on carpet. Cabinets were donated by Dr. Karim in Toronto and picked up by Dr. Bill Kerr, Alex Roome, Ryan and J.J. Kerr. Thank you to Preban Gustavson, Adam Cannon, the Kerr boys for unloading the cabinets and dental chairs. Thanks to the cleaning crew Lisa Kerr and Lisa Stoughton. Thank you to Cordell Carpets, Kirsten Monk and Barry Cray and the anonymous paint fairy for donating the paint.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE UPCOMING FUNDRAISER
Special fundraiser screening for…. VOLUNTEER DENTAL OUTREACH FOR HALIBURTON COUNTY
Thursday, April 28, 2011 – MOVIE: A SMALL ACT One Show Only 7:15 PM at the Northern Lights Pavilion in Haliburton Admission is by Donation to VDOHC
A young Kenyan's life changes drastically when his education is sponsored by a Swedish stranger. Years later, he founds his own scholarship program to replicate the kindness he once received. Director Jennifer Arnold’s documentary film about the plight of kids struggling to get an education in Kenya, debuted at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it made a tremendous impression. After the second screening, a woman stood up in the audience and offered a $5,000 donation to help the kids. She challenged the audience to give, too, and her $5,000 was quickly matched by another cheque for $5,000. Midway through the festival, the amount raised and pledged had grown to $80,000. According to the documentary, it can cost less than $10 a week to send a student to secondary school in Kenya. The film, and the reaction to it, demonstrates how even “a small act” can play a big difference in the lives of others.
Please come and see this inspiring documentary and support VOLUNTEER DENTAL OUTREACH to provide free urgent dental care for low income residents in our community.
MARCH 2011 NEWS
Construction at our location at 739 Mountain Street began on March 7th (The CanoeFM building). ,The walls have been erected and the plumbing and electrical work is under way. I am still amazed by how so many people are donating equipment, labour, money and expertise to this project. Our website is also being constructed by Mark Coles of First Page SEO and should be operating soon and will acknowledge all of our supporters. Check it out soon at www.dental-outreach.com. Our clinic is still on target to open in early May. We still have so much more work to do before we will be ready to open but it is incredible how quickly things are getting done.
We have set up this volunteer clinic as a program of SIRCH Community Services. As many of you know, SIRCH is a non-profit charitable organization providing community based direct service. SIRCH has been able to provide tax receipts for our financial donors and will be responsible for screening potential patients for financial eligibility. This will allow us to keep patient's financial information private at SIRCH and their dental information private at our clinic. Much work has been done in setting up the legal framework and Terms of Reference by which the clinic will exist. As this is a "free" clinic, patients will not be billed for any treatments by the clinic and mechanisms for payment of the clinic bills needed to be worked out.
As we get closer to our opening, we will need to have a series of meetings to go over training and to review procedures and protocols. We will need to discuss many issues such as charting, sterilization, scheduling, computer training, digital x-rays etc... As a requirement of SIRCH's insurance and in keeping with the state of current laws regarding volunteers, each person who comes in contact with any at risk patient groups, including children, the disabled or seniors must have a current criminal record search on file with the clinic. This is easily obtained by presenting yourself to the police station nearest your home and filing out a volunteer form. You will need photo I.D., usually a driver's license and the process is free (at least in Halliburton it is). For the dentists and hygienists, we would appreciate a photocopy of your current license for our records. A volunteer agreement has been drafted which is intended to clarify roles of the participants in this program.
Screening of patients at SIRCH is expected to commence very soon. Patients who wish to be seen at the clinic should call SIRCH at 457 1742 ext 44 for the mailbox for Volunteer Dental Outreach screening. The patients will be asked questions about their income and expenses and dental issues and then referred to the Clinic to be scheduled for a dental appointment. At last count there were 16 patients waiting to be screened. Until we have a firm date as to when the clinic will be functional we won't be booking appointments but if everything continues on schedule this will be in early May.
,The walls have been erected and the plumbing and electrical work is under way. I am still amazed by how so many people are donating equipment, labour, money and expertise to this project. Our website is also being constructed by Mark Coles of First Page SEO and should be operating soon and will acknowledge all of our supporters. Check it out soon at 
As we get closer to our opening, we will need to have a series of meetings to go over training and to review procedures and protocols. We will need to discuss many issues such as charting, sterilization, scheduling, computer training, digital x-rays etc... As a requirement of SIRCH's insurance and in keeping with the state of current laws regarding volunteers, each person who comes in contact with any at risk patient groups, including children, the disabled or seniors must have a current criminal record search on file with the clinic. This is easily obtained by presenting yourself to the police station nearest your home and filing out a volunteer form. You will need photo I.D., usually a driver's license and the process is free (at least in Halliburton it is). For the dentists and hygienists, we would appreciate a photocopy of your current license for our records.
A volunteer agreement has been drafted which is intended to clarify roles of the participants in this program.