TransCanada's gift benefits Healing Garden

Thanks to the help of an international company called TransCanada, Bonner General Hospital's Healing Garden is a big step closer to being debt-free. Trans-Canada is an independent power producer that works to supply energy infrastructure to the US and Canada.

What does a large, international energy company have to do with a hospital Healing Garden in our little corner of the world? In particular, the company works hard to support the communities that it serves through the generous donation of grants and other contributions to non-profit organizations and this year, they have chosen the Healing Garden as the recipient of a two-part grant.

Since the completion of the Healing Garden's first phase a couple of years ago, volunteers have been pounding the pavement to raise enough money to retire the debt left behind by construction. Local contributions have been a big help in closing in on these costs, but there was still a long way to go. Enter TransCanada.

Debra Kellerman, of Bonner Community Hospice and the Healing Garden Committee got wind of a community grant funded by the company and she thought the garden might just suit their criteria. After reading her heart-felt application, TransCanada had to agree.

As most of us in Sandpoint know, the Healing Garden has become a place for our entire community to enjoy. It is a place to come when you need the support, when you need solace, or when you simply want to enjoy the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. The Healing Garden is open year-round to anyone and everyone.

At any time, you might find a hospital employee enjoying a short break in the sun, a new father contemplating the responsibilities of his family's new addition, or someone taking comfort there after the loss of a loved one.

If you haven't been to visit the Healing Garden, this time of year is especially beautiful. The roses are in bloom and the waterfall makes a stunning oasis for small birds and flitting butterflies. The Chapel and the Tea House are always open and the pathways beg to be explored.

John Plaster, TransCanada's northern area manager and Paul Weid, the Community Action Representative for the Sandpoint area enjoyed a beautiful day in the garden when they came to deliver their much appreciated grant funds.

"TransCanada believes that it's very important to support the communities that support us," Weid commented. "The Healing Garden is such a beautiful and special place and our company is proud to be a part of both the garden and this community."

The funding is actually a multiple-year grant. This year, TransCanada generously donated $12,500 to support the Garden. Next year, in February of 2007, they have allocated the donation of another $12,500, bringing the total up to $25,000.

These much-needed funds allow the Healing Garden Committee to begin considering the possibility for Phase II of the Healing Garden, which would include a children's garden and expansion of the current garden area.

So, now you know just what a large, international energy company has to do with a community garden in Sandpoint. They are giving the gift of acknowledgement and support through the kindness and generosity.