Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Board and Staff wish to thank everyone who donated to the Light the Way fundraising campaign over the past two months.

“We can’t begin to express how grateful we are for the support we have received during this year’s Light the Way campaign from the people of Saugeen Shores and surrounding Bruce County," said Foundation Chair Jim Barbour in an SMHF media release.

This year the annual fundraising campaign also included the option for people to donate toward the new MRI machine to be installed at the Owen Sound hospital. The current MRI machine is 14 years old and the aging equipment is set to be replaced this year.

The Foundation raises funds year round to support the Southampton hospital through the purchase of essential equipment, staff development and facility improvements while the MRI funding was an example of how the Foundation also supports a small percentage of the needs at the regional Owen Sound hospital.

“People in the Saugeen Shores community also require the specialized services provided at the Owen Sound hospital so the Foundation strives to ensure we contribute to enhancing patient care and services there as well," said Foundation Executive Director Tracy Murray.

In 2018, the generosity of SMHF donors raised $131,000 that were specifically designated toward the MRI campaign. A large portion of this was donated through Light the Way and is in addition to the $225,000 raised.

Looking ahead, there will be new areas of need that will be addressed in 2019 such as equipment requirements and facility improvements in Southampton and requirements in the mental health and surgical services departments in Owen Sound.

Murray is very grateful that through the amazing support of the community the Foundation was able to fill the needs for this fiscal year and wished to thank everyone who helped from donors to participants and volunteers.