Ottawa-born and raised Teri Levine made a promise to herself: if she survived the serious illness that she was being treated for at Queensway Carleton Hospital, she’d use her expertise as a former professional fundraiser to help the hospital.

It was the least she could do, Teri felt, after receiving such exceptional care.  “I cannot impress upon you how well looked after I was, how much care I was given,” said Teri. “This hospital literally saved my life.”

Fueled by her gratitude, Teri resurrected the mahjong, canasta and bridge fundraising social event that had taken a pause during the COVID pandemic. The card and tile games are a wonderful way to bring people together, she said. “It’s fun because you sit around the table and you yak,” added Teri, who’s been playing mahjong for more than 40 years. “It’s an easy game to learn.”

As the volunteer event chair, Teri was determined to raise serious money for the hospital. She was aided in her efforts by fellow volunteers Anna Silverman and Sandra Zagon.

The support from QCH was “outstanding,” said Teri of the hospital’s effort to go above and beyond to help them.

The one-day event took place this past spring, attracting some 95 players to QCH, which loaned out its cafeteria for the fundraiser. By the end of the day, more than $33,000 was raised.

Funds were collected through admission fees, table sponsorship and a silent auction, which received generous donations from small businesses of all kinds. They also provided the door prizes.

The women’s fundraising secret: moxie. “We weren’t afraid to pick up the phone and call and ask for donations or support,” said Teri. “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

The response was resoundingly affirmative in practically every case, she added. “It was phenomenal.”

All the proceeds have been directed to help purchase two new bladder scanners that will be used to care for patients throughout the hospital, including the Myers Automotive Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) Unit where Teri spent the better part of a month recovering from a rare disorder called red blood cell aplasia. She was admitted into the hospital in late December 2021.

Prior to her illness, she had undergone a total of three surgeries on her hip and knees at QCH over the span of several years.

While Teri is originally from Ottawa, she spent more than 40 years in Saint John, N.B. before returning to her hometown in 2015, choosing to return with her husband to the west end. “Four of my six grandchildren are here,” said the proud nana.

Plans are underway to hold another day of mahjong, canasta and bridge fundraiser next year, on Saturday, May 4th at QCH, said Teri, who’s only too happy to support the hospital and the outstanding healthcare workers that make it such a special place. “They’re an amazing bunch of people.”