2011 Donor Impact Report - Charity Focus

Vets helping VetsVeterans are a tight knit group. Like firefighters, paramedics and police officers,they are there to help each other out when needed.In Calgary, a number of groupssupport our local veteransand the Friends of the ColonelBelcher Society (FOCBS). Oneof those groups is the KoreaVeteran’s Association (KVA)Unit #54.Butch MacFarlane is theSecretary Treasurer for theKVA Unit #54 and has beena member since the groupformed in June 1989.All members served in Koreabetween 1950-1956. Afterthe Cease Fire was signed in1953, Canada kept troops inKorea from 1953-1956. At onetime, there were about 200members, but now there areonly about 40 remaining.“Even though our group hasbeen decreasing over theyears, every single member isinstrumental in fundraising andwe appreciate all their hardwork,” says Butch.The KVA Unit #54 hostsan annual casino and theproceeds support over 30charities in the city. Each yearthey donate money throughCalgary Health Trust in supportof the FOCBS.The association has donatedmore than $110,000 to theFOCBS. These donationshave supported the purchaseof priority equipment such asoverhead bed lifts, motomedbicycles, bladder scannersand Quality of Life programs.“The Colonel Belcher is aspecial place to us and it isdefinitely the main recipient ofour support,” says Butch. “Alot of veterans don’t have thatmany people left to help themout, so we do what we can.”Music brings seniors together socially and also has manyhealthy benefits such as lower blood pressure and heart rate.“There are so many healthbenefits associated with musictherapy. It can lower blood pressure,lower heart rates, and can be verycalming and relaxing to the residents.”– Kathryn Daniels$110,000Music has many healthy benefits for seniorsThis year, part of the KVA Unit#54’s donation went to theQuality of Life Music TherapyProgram. Along with donationsfrom many other communitygroups, the music therapyprogram throughout Carewestis one of the most popularprograms among residentsand hits the right note withtheir health.“There are so many healthbenefits associated with musictherapy,” says Kathryn Daniels,Carewest’s Music Therapist.“It can lower blood pressure,lower heart rates, and can bevery calming and relaxing tothe residents.”But beyond this, there aremany other benefits. “Peoplecan reminisce about the past,a time they remember fondly,”notes Kathryn. “It gets peopleout of their rooms and intosocial situations with otherpeople...it’s a great way tostay active and have fun.”She says that you can findsongs for anything, such as,music from the 1920s to the1950s or music that reflectsdifferent colours or animals.Your impactAll of the sessions arestimulating and they inspirediscussion. “Music issomething we can all relateto and enjoy,” said Kathryn.“We couldn’t have put themoney in a better place,”reflects Butch. “We knowthe money is helping people,and it’s important to helpwhen we can.”Thank you.29