New date set for NGH Foundation fundraiser

The Norfolk community is invited to step back into the Roaring ‘20s on Nov. 1st at Iris’s Speakeasy to help raise funds for equipment at Norfolk General Hospital with the goal of saving lives. In 2024, participants were transported to the tropical paradise of Iris’s Luau. 

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

Iris’s Speakeasy to raise funds for lifesaving plasma storage unit

Community legend and volunteer Iris Smith is bringing vintage flair and community spirit to support the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation with a glamourous fundraising ‘Speakeasy’ on Nov. 1.

Over the years, Smith has collaborated with the NGH Foundation to bring creative and successful fundraising events to life. In 2023, they hosted The Mad Hatter Tea Party, and in 2024, guests were transported to the tropical paradise of Iris’s Luau.

This year, NGH Foundation is inviting the community to step back in time with Iris’s Speakeasy. The Roaring ‘20s fundraiser promises vintage charm, which will support the purchase of a new plasma storage unit for Norfolk General Hospital.

“Every year she (Smith) comes to us with a new theme and it's always exciting and fun,” said Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, development officer at the NGH Foundation. “There’s lots of potential for everybody that comes to get a chance to dress up and do some activities. There's going to be a photo booth that is styled with vintage frames for different photos and lots of activities.” 

Originally slated for Sept. 17, the speakeasy date has been changed to Nov. 1. With tickets at $60, the evening promises to be filled with ‘appetizers, giggle water and 1920’s entertainment.’ For ticket information or reserve a spot, email smflowerday@ngh.on.ca .

“Our community is amazing; they rally when we need them,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “100 years ago, the citizens of Norfolk built this hospital and to this day they continue to support us. Without our donors we would not be able to purchase all of the vital equipment that our hospital needs to provide exceptional healthcare right here at home.”

The NGH Foundation is a separate entity from the hospital itself and its objective is raising funds to purchase vital hospital equipment for the hospital.

Muntz-Flowerday said that a modern plasma unit will ensure the hospital can respond rapidly to emergencies and improve patient outcomes by having a life-saving resource at arm’s reach. The current plasma unit is reaching its end, prompting the push for replacement. 

Plasma, which is the liquid component of blood, must be stored at precise, consistently cold temperatures to remain viable. It also needs to be easily accessible and closely monitored to safely be used in trauma situations, surgeries and other emergency interventions.

“In a situation where every second matters, having plasma immediately available can mean the difference between life and death,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “If we don’t have one on site then we risk delaying treatment to send the patients to Hamilton or Brantford. That’s not acceptable given the urgency some cases demand.

“Our community has raised the money to open a hospital, and we just go from one piece of equipment to the next. Every time it seems like there’s an amount of money that we'll never be able to attain, the community comes through, and they help us hit our goal. We're always knocking on the same doors, but people always respond, that’s Norfolk County.”

People can also donate for the plasma unit on the hospital’s website at www.ngh.on.ca.