Submitted by Craig Alperowitz
For over 100 years, the Woman’s Club of Chatham has been positively impacting the educational and civic enrichment of the Chatham community through humanitarian activities and charitable grants. At its annual holiday celebration, the organization’s Co-Presidents Terry Kandalaft and Caryl Anne McBride provided a check in the amount of $50,000 to the Chatham Emergency Squad in recognition and gratitude for its 80+ years of service to the community.
The donation, one of the largest financial gifts bestowed upon the Chatham Emergency Squad in its history, will be put to immediate use. In keeping with the request of the Woman’s Club of Chatham, the money will be used to pay off the remaining debt for its Stryker Power Cots which have been installed on each of its three ambulances, with remaining funds used for other equipment. First purchased 3 years ago, each state-of-the-art cot is equipped with hydraulic lifts so that EMTs can easily lift and transport patients comfortably and safely, without risking injury to themselves or others.
“The Woman’s Club of Chatham has done incredible things to improve and enhance the Chatham community and the life of its residents over the years, and this donation further exemplifies their commitment,” said Tim Brown, immediate past President of the Chatham Emergency Squad. “When you think about it – paying off our debt against these cots is a metaphor – it lifted a tremendous burden off our backs just in time for the holidays, and we are incredibly honored and grateful for their generosity.”
“Donations such as these are real game-changers,” said Evan Skinner, President of the Chatham Emergency Squad. “But it’s the generosity of our Chatham residents which allows us to provide 100% of our services at no charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”
The Chatham Emergency Squad is an all-volunteer organization funded almost exclusively by donations. CES never charges for its services. In 2018 they responded to over 1,200 emergency calls and provided free training in CPR to more than 400 residents, teachers, coaches and emergency personnel. To learn more, to donate or to volunteer, please visit chathamemergencysquad.org.
(above, l-r) Picture with the donation check: Caryl Anne McBride, co-president, Woman’s Club; Tim Brown, past immediate president, Chatham Emergency Squad; Evan Skinner, president Chatham Emergency Squad; Terry Kandalaft, president, woman’s club.
