Falher Medical Clinic (top picture) has officially been paid in full by CAPS efforts through donations and festival of trees fundraisers. Treasurer Nellie Montpellier and Dr. John Loge (bottom picture) paid off the loan on the clinic on behalf of CAPS on Dec. 29. A total of $82,647.64 was remaining on the loan as of the beginning of Dec. CAPS efforts along with great contribution from Dr. Loge has allowed the clinic to become debt-free.

Committee members of Falher and Area Community Association for Professional Services (CAPS) leapt for joy on Dec. 29. CAPS treasurer Nellie Montpellier along with Dr. John Loge presented ATB Financial Account Manager Nancy Michaud with a cheque for $82,647.64. “It was great to see the amount owing eliminated, and seeing a loan status of ‘loan paid in full’,” says Nellie Montpellier. “A great sigh of relief was felt by members as well as Falher Medical Clinic staff.” CAPS members have been hosting a festival of trees celebration each year for the past 12 years to pay off the clinic. This year, as a result of the generosity of festival guests and Dr. Loge, the festival raised over $80,000. “A supper was hosted by the Loge family at their home to celebrate the hours of hard work put in to make this happen,” says Montpellier, who explains CAPS’ focus will now be on physician recruitment . “It must be noted this pay off would not have been possible without the generous support of Dr. Loge.” Organizers are unsure when the next festival of trees will be held, or even if the event will be held again in the community. The committee has been thinking about different types of events to hold in upcoming years as potential fundraisers for CAPS and the medical centres in our community. “Once again, CAPS members would like to thank everyone who has been supporting our festival of trees,” says Montpellier. “We really appreciate their support throughout the years.” CAPS committee is very thankful to Dr. Loge, who donated a whopping $10,000, and also bid on many of the items in the live auction during the festival of trees, helping the committee to reach its goal. Goals have been made by CAPS in collaboration with local communities to find solutions to the doctor shortage. One idea being seriously examined includes purchasing a home for the physician to reside in.