Dan Edwards announces funds from Do It For Sarnia campaign will construct new patio for Bluewater Health Mental Health Inpatient unit

 Today, Dan Edwards and the Bluewater Health Foundation announced the successful completion of a four year campaign which raised $150,000. Dan also unveiled his vision for the future use of these funds - a beautiful patio addition to Bluewater Health’s third floor Mental Health Inpatient unit. 

“My accident made me realize there were both physical and mental elements to my healing,” said Dan. “Since then, I have learned of the importance and connection people have to nature and how it improves their overall health - including my own. This new patio will provide an opportunity for natural light and healing for all patients, but especially for those who don’t have regular access to the outdoors.” 

Dan expressed his gratitude for the mental health and addictions staff at Bluewater Health saying, “In my opinion, you all have wings and God’s wind at your back to do the work you do every day.” 

Dan started the ‘Do It for Sarnia’ campaign in 2015 in response to the generosity he received from the community when he was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down in 2006. He set a $150,000 fundraising goal as part of the initiative, benefitting mental health and addiction services at Bluewater Health. Since the launch of his campaign, Dan has also become a Bluewater Health Foundation board member, working closely with staff on several fundraising initiatives benefiting Bluewater Health, and was the recipient of a Bridging Excellence Award in 2018 for his efforts. 

“Dan has been a wonderful ambassador for Bluewater Health. I am so excited to share this great news,” said Kathy Alexander, Executive Director - Bluewater Health Foundation. “It’s a true testament to the impact Dan has on Sarnia-Lambton and beyond. We’re honoured to have the opportunity to not only help him reach his goal, but to support and raise awareness of a very important cause in our community.” 

Mike Lapaine, Bluewater Health CEO, said Dan has supported the hospital immeasurably. “His sense of optimism and humour has been the key to his success throughout this four year campaign.” 

“We are forever grateful to Dan for being such a remarkable champion and advocate for mental healthcare in our community” says Paula Reaume-Zimmer, Vice-President of Mental Health and Addictions - Bluewater Health. 

While Dan may have achieved his goal, much work remains to be done in the community to continuously strengthen mental health care and delivery at Bluewater Health. As such, plans for next year’s Block Party are already underway, with a tentative date scheduled in June 2020. 

“Mental health and addictions will always be the recipient of any funds I raise,” he said. 

Construction on the new inpatient patio will begin soon with a tentative opening date of early summer 2020. 

Download the news release, here.