Tavistock Men’s Club donates to Tavistock Community Health Inc.

With gratitude, Tavistock Community Health Inc. accepted a $5,000 donation from the Tavistock Men’s Club on Monday, along with a pledge of $1,000 annually for the next five years. From left are Men’s Club members Ross Schumm (sauerkraut chair), Jim Pitcher (vice-president), Brian Boland (president), Mark Kozdras (treasurer), Russ Huber (TCHI chair) and Bev Neeb (TCHI director). Gary West photo

By Gary West

The board of directors of Tavistock Community Health Inc. (TCHI) has been working tirelessly to bring the community’s medical clinic and property up to the standards residents expect. On Monday evening, the Tavistock Men’s Club stepped up to help.

Club members presented a $5,000 cheque to TCHI directors to support the board’s fundraising campaign, which has a $500,000 goal.

Men’s Club president Brian Boland said members recognize the importance of having a medical clinic in Tavistock.

“The clinic has a long history of providing vital services in this area,” Boland said. “Not only have we contributed this $5,000, but we are also committing to $1,000 per year over the next five years to help the board reach its goal.”

TCHI chair Russ Huber and director Beverly Neeb thanked the Men’s Club for its generosity and ongoing community involvement. They noted the donation will help cover recent upgrades to the reception and waiting area.

The board has also invested heavily in critical infrastructure, including the purchase of a standby generator to ensure medicines remain refrigerated during power outages, and a new HVAC unit to replace the 54-year-old building’s outdated system.

“Anyone who owns property knows what it’s like to constantly spend money to keep buildings in good repair,” said Neeb.

While the $500,000 goal is ambitious, Huber said the campaign has already raised nearly $135,000 through donations from area clubs, farmers and residents. Contributions large and small continue to come in each week.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Club is preparing for another of its well-loved community traditions. Members will begin selling their newly made sauerkraut, along with tickets to their annual November Sauerkraut Supper, this Saturday at the Kraut House behind their hall on Woodstock Street North.

Ross Schumm reminded residents that tickets always sell quickly: “Don’t be left behind.”