The Victorian Order of Nurses says a donation from the Don and Audrey Williams Foundation will help VON healthcare workers access training and education.
VON says in a release that the foundation has contributed funds to create the Elaine Williams Memorial Education Fund, named in honour of Don and Audrey’s late daughter, a dedicated nurse.
“This donation recognizes Elaine’s important vocation and supports local healthcare workers to access training and education necessary to maintain their certifications,” says foundation member Cathy Williams Utman in the release.
“The fund will alleviate some of the financial burden on nurses and personal support workers (PSWs), allowing them to pursue their training without the stress of lost wages or course costs.”
VON provided background into the contributions from Elaine Williams.
About Elaine Williams
Elaine graduated from Humber College in 1976. After earning her degree as a Registered Nurse, Elaine began her career at Humber Memorial Hospital, where she provided excellent care for two years. Following her time at Humber Memorial, Elaine moved to Stirling, where she continued her nursing career at Stirling Manor Nursing Home. She later became a VON nurse, a position she held for approximately five years. Throughout her career, Elaine exemplified compassion and dedication, providing essential care and comfort to patients in their homes during their most challenging times. Elaine passed away in December of 2005 at the age of 50.
”We are pleased to support VON to create an education fund in Elaine’s honour,” says Utman. “She enjoyed her time in community nursing and would be proud to know she is assisting other healthcare workers; it’s a wonderful legacy.”
“We are immensely grateful to the Williams Foundation for this innovative gift, which will assist with our training needs,” says Christine Joannette, Senior Director, Philanthropy at VON Canada. “The Foundation’s commitment to supporting professional development in the home and community care sector recognizes the vital role that dedicated individuals like Elaine play in the wellbeing of their communities.”
For more information, to make a donation to the Elaine Williams Memorial Education Fund, or to support other programs at VON, please contact Julia Gosson at Julia.gosson@von.ca.
