Divas continue to do good in the community

by Melissa Iarusso

Windsor Regional Hospital will be making improvements to a few rooms at the hospital after receiving a $50,000 cheque from the Do Good Divas Nov. 29.

The Divas presented the cheque to the hospital at a celebration dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion on Marentette Avenue. The non-profit organization held their annual handbag gala this October, raising money through silent and live auctions, a raffle and much more.

The proceeds are benefiting patients of the Mental Health and Complex Continuing Care facilities. Upgrades to the life skills training room and waiting rooms will begin in the spring.

Due to the success of the event an additional $5,000 was given to five local organizations chosen by the Divas board. The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society, The Inn of Windsor, The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism, St. Mary’s Family Learning Centre and Windsor Fire Prevention each received $1,000.

St. Clair College journalism coordinator Veronique Mandal also donated an additional $100 from the sales of her novel The Pink Hat. The money will go toward the Divas’ fundraiser next year.

Gale Simko-Hatfield, president of the Divas, announced the funds from their next fundraiser will go toward two projects: replacing pagers at the Cancer Centre as well as refurbishing three lounges on floors four, five and six. The rooms are in desperate need of a “diva makeover,” according to Simko-Hatfield. No specific amount was pledged.

The Do Good Divas next handbag event is Oct. 24, 2013.