Opal Belawetz immigrated to Canada from Russia to give her family a better life, and her family is reciprocating by improving care for palliative care patients in Windsor.
Belawetz, who worked at Bell Canada before her passing, died September 29, 2015. Her obituary read, "a special thanks to Dr. Sheeham and the wonderful nurses at the Dr. Y. Emara Centre 3rd Floor South Palliative Care."
She had been a patient on the ward at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and on Tuesday, her family donated funds in her name. The money funded new training for 200 frontline palliative care staff.
That was one of two monetary donations to the hospital's Changing Lives Together Foundation on Giving Tuesday.
LiUNA 625 completed its $300,000 commitment to the construction of the hospital's Recreation and Wellness Centre. The outdoor space will provide patients with a unique exercise area.
"Each year, our commitment to community grows as we strive to support institutions and organizations dedicated to the health and wellness of our citizens," said LiUNA 625 Business Manager, Rob Petroni.
The union also gifted two directional signs to guide patients and loved ones to the new centre.
The hospital also recognized the contributions of volunteers for the Heart Breaker Challenge and Bob Probert Ride.
"Whether it is a life-changing dollar amount or a few bucks off your paycheck, a way to honour someone special in your life or a way to support a cause you're passionate about," said Executive Director of the Changing Lives Together Foundation, Bill Marra. "Every instance of giving to our foundation changes the lives of the patients we serve."