Fundraiser held in memory of a friend, colleague

Time Reporter

 

This past summer one of Strathmore’s own emergency nurses was killed in a tragic hit and run in Irricana. Raelene Schmaltz, 51, is remembered as being an incredible nurse who had been a real asset to both the hospital and its patients. 

“That was a terrible day,” said Darlene Pelletier, Schmaltz’s co-worker at the Strathmore hospital. 

“This is a family and it’s like we have lost one of our members.” 

Schmaltz’s death rocked everyone who knew her, leaving many of them wondering at the senselessness of the accident. 

As a way to help Schmaltz’s memory live on, her co-workers in emergency are hosting a one-day fundraising blitz for STARS air ambulance. 

“People from the community are welcome to either contribute to the silent auction or come and buy something in the silent auction. Most of the donations will come from staff in the emergency department – she was one of us. This is something we as her colleagues wish to do in memory of her,” said Pelletier.

“This is something that she would have appreciated, she was very supportive of the STARS organization, appreciated the help that they lend us when we need it.”

The main thing Pelletier wants is for people to acknowledge the contribution Schmaltz made to the hospital and commemorate that by donating to something that meant a lot to her.

“She was an incredible nurse, we were very, very fortunate to have her skills here,” said Pelletier. 

The one-day silent auction blitz will be held on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. STARS will be setting up, and likely selling some of their calendars. Pelletier hopes the auction is successful and would like to see it carry on into the future in Raelene Schmaltz’s memory.