Late last month the GV Health Extended Care Auxiliary committee made a generous donation of $17,000 for a new exercise bike for the Mary Coram Unit at GV Health.

The Mary Coram Unit is a combined inpatient rehabilitation, geriatric evaluation and management and palliative care unit.

With an exercise bike on the unit’s wish list, the auxiliary was committed to bringing its wish to life and raised funds for over two years for this piece of equipment.

“We held fashion parades and sing-alongs, to plants sales, garden parties and other special events,” longest serving auxiliary member Lolene James said.

“Family members of the committee and the public also made generous donations.”

The auxiliary recently wound up its operations and handed over all remaining funds to the Mary Coram Unit for future purchases.

On Wednesday, April 29, GV Health held a morning tea for the auxiliary committee members as a thank you for their most recent contribution and final donation.

GV Health administration officer Loretta Cronyn labelled the bike as a “game changer” for those in need of rehabilitation and couldn’t be more thankful.

“It’s portable, so the physios can move it from patient to patient. They can use it where it is needed the most,” Loretta said.

“It’s already transforming how patients rebuild strength and confidence.”