It is Fundraiser Feature day here on myFM, and we are featuring Kerry Blackwell, Senior Manager of Fund Development for VON Middlesex-Elgin-Oxford. Blackwell got involved with the VON after several of her family members received care from the organization.
She says by having the VON in our community, it helps relieve pressure off of the health care system while helping people at home. Blackwell says even though part of the VON is Government funded, the community makes the difference in the care provided.
Community fundraising goes towards making sure everybody who needs access to services, has it in addition to equipment, staff training, upgrades and education. The VON walk in June is now the VON Activity Challenge, with the goal of having the biggest VON outdoor exercise class. Blackwell says some of the challenges they face is first realzing VON is actually V-O-N and stands for Victorian Order of Nurses, and secondly people not recognizing what exactly the VON does.
Blackwell is passionate about the work she does, and says one of her proudest moments is the work everybody did over the course of the pandemic. She explains everybody pulled together for the people they care for.
You can listen to the full interview with Kerry Blackwell below: