Patch Adams will be shown on the big outdoor screen at Evergreen Park in support of the Striving for Nursing Excellence Bursary (Photo: Shane Clausing / EverythingGP staff)

By Shaun Penner

Grande Sunset Theatre

Drive-in movie fundraiser for local nursing bursary goes Friday

May 12, 2021 | 2:51 PM

Local people will have an opportunity to give back to the nursing community this Friday.

The Grande Sunset Theatre at Evergreen Park will be giving all proceeds from its showing that day to the Striving for Nursing Excellence Bursary from the Grande Prairie and Area Nurses’ Association.

The showing of the movie Patch Adams on the outdoor screen on May 14 comes as part of National Nursing Week.

“Our annual nursing event has become something to look forward to and a way to give back to the community,” said Monika Johnson, one of the organizers of the event.

“We celebrate annually during Nursing Week to both celebrate one another and remind each other why we went into the profession in the first place.”

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Festivities Friday evening get underway at 8:45 p.m. and will include a speech from Mayor Jackie Clayton, a story from a local business owner who has had experience in health care, as well as speeches from local physicians.

Johnson says they want to give back to the nursing community after a difficult year in the healthcare industry.

“Our ICU and ER – and other units as well – staff have been asked to stretch and give more than ever before and they are on the edge of burnout.”

Fundraisers for the bursary have gone on for several years. The bursary, depending on funds raised, ranges between $500 and $5,000 annually for nursing students or nurses wanting to further their education.

That’s why Marketing and Sponsorship Manager at Evergreen Park Don Moon hopes the parking lot at Evergreen Park is filled.

“Wouldn’t it be great if this event could hit that $5,000,” said Moon? “If there is any year we need to celebrate and honor health-care workers it’s this year and this event is the perfect way to do that.

“It is a great opportunity, not just for local residents, but companies as well to show their support for our nurses.”

Admission is $60 per vehicle and gates open at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. Donations to the bursary can be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation.