Tavistock Community Health board installs fundraising syringe at town’s five corners

Members of the TCHI board were busy last week installing the new fundraising syringe at Tavistock’s five corners. Pictured from left are Frank Meconi (past board chairman) and Brett Zehr (Tavistock Home Hardware owner and bucket operator). Below and in behind are Russ Huber (TCHI board chairman) and, out front, Dennis Kuepfer (board member). Gary West photo

By Gary West

The flagpole at Tavistock’s five corners has a new neighbour — a giant syringe marking the community’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for much-needed upgrades to the Tavistock Medical Building.

Members of the Tavistock Community Health Inc. (TCHI) board were on site last week installing the fundraising syringe, which will track donations toward their $500,000 goal. The display serves as a visible reminder of how close the community is to reaching its target and how important local health care remains to Tavistock’s growing population.

The medical building on Maria Street, now home to four family doctors and their staff, has served the community for 47 years and needs major updates. This past spring and summer saw the installation of a new standby generator and HVAC unit, as well as renovations to the reception and office areas. The next priorities include new medical beds, updated equipment and improved examination rooms.

“These upgrades are not only necessary for patient care,” said board member Frank Meconi, “but they’ll also help us attract another doctor – something Tavistock urgently needs.”

So far, the campaign has raised more than $160,000 thanks to contributions from individuals, businesses and community organizations.

Meconi says anyone wishing to contribute can call him directly at 519-655-2178, noting that donations of $20 or more are eligible for tax receipts.

“I’ll personally deliver donation forms and pick up contributions,” he said. “That includes local companies who want to support the effort.”

With regular mail delivery now resumed, the TCHI board will be mailing donation forms to residents. Anyone who doesn’t receive one can contact Meconi or another board member to make arrangements.

“This fundraising effort is not a sprint but a marathon,” Meconi added. “We want to make sure Tavistock continues to have access to quality medical care for decades to come.”

The 11-member board expressed gratitude to everyone who has already donated, emphasizing that their goal is to strengthen health services — not to compete with other local charitable causes.

“We truly appreciate all the individuals and groups who are helping make this vision possible,” the board said in a statement.