Saugeen Memorial Hospital staff member Vince Waite and Martha Bennett with a new ultrasound machine recently purchased thanks to a donation from OPG. Image supplied

Wednesday was an exciting day for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) as they braved the early morning heat to celebrate two donations.

The Southampton Rotary Club recently held a virtual East Coast Kitchen Party that provided entertainment and east coast inspired music. Local restaurants added some east coast flair by offering themed dishes for takeout or delivery.

The event was open to everyone, admission was free and attendees were asked to make a donation in any amount if they were able to contribute. Funds were raised for a few local charities, including SMHF, resulting in a $3,500 cheque to the Foundation.

A second donation came by way of Ontario Power Generation in the amount of $5,000 that went to support the purchase of a new ultrasound machine in the Diagnostic Imaging department.

"Staff are loving the new machine which is faster and more efficient and also allows for better mobility to do portable beside imaging with improved resolution," read the July 8 media release from SMHF.

"Thanks to your donations to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation from community groups, residents and companies like OPG we were able to purchase the new Phillip's Epic ultrasound," read the release.

Both donations will help to offset fundraising revenue that has been lost. Fundraising events such as the Rotary Huron shore Run and Gran Fondo Lake Huron have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Yesterday we reported on the results of Rotary Huron Shore Run's Beat COVID-19 Challenge, also designed to help offset lost revenue from their annual fundraiser. See: Rotary's Beat COVID-19 Challenge reaches the finish line.

SMHF Board Director Jim Barbour Board Director with Lynda Caine from Ontario Power Generation July 8. Image supplied