Editor's note: A correction has been made to reflect the correct amount for the CT scanner contribution, $250,000.

As of today, donations to the Hospital Foundation’s Light the Way Campaign are only at $53,000 – less than half of the $130,000 goal.

Executive Director for the Foundation, Sally Kidson is concerned. “The dollars that are raised through Light the Way fund much needed equipment purchases that help various treatments for Saugeen Shores patients,” said Kidson. One of the pieces of equipment that the money will be used for is a Holmium Laser which is used to blast kidney stones. The laser helps to minimize pain and provide a treatment which is much more comfortable for the patient. Anyone in Saugeen Shores who has had kidney stones can relate. In addition, many systems will be upgraded through the dollars raised through this campaign.

But why give to this project when there are so many other projects that also have needs? “I support the hospital because it helps everyone,” said Kidson. “It is open 24/7, the wonderful people here care for my neighbours, my friends, my family and loved ones. The hospital treats all illnesses from diabetes to strokes, to cancer and mental illnesses. The hospital helps victims of abuse and violence. I feel good about making my donation and helping to keep health care close to home.”

Over the years, the Hospital Foundation has purchased millions of dollars worth of essential medical equipment for both the Southampton Hospital and the Owen Sound Hospital – including contributing $250,000 to the new CT Scanner in Owen Sound this past spring. The Hospital Campaign has built a new Angiosuite, a new oncology unit which will be open soon and of course the Southampton Hospital Emergency Room and Laboratory expansion project that will start in the spring of 2016.

But the Light the Way campaign is about the day to day needs. Medical equipment is expensive and wears out. It becomes outdated and needs replacing each year. The goal is to ensure that the best equipment is available and that obligations to purchase over $500,000 in medical equipment this year is met.

“A few months ago, I heard a family chatting in the hall. A young mother was bringing her children in to see their grandmother. She was speaking to them about how grandma was ill and had a tube in her nose and how they had to be very quiet and good while they were visiting her. But one young child looked up at her mom and said, ‘Is it okay if we hold her hand?’ The mom replied, ‘Yes, it’s okay, I think she’d like that.’ and her voice broke.”

Kidson reminds us that grandma has a nice new bed because of the work of the Foundation. And they’ll help to purchase a blanket warmer to help keep grandmothers and grandfathers warm if they are cold. Doctors and nurses will always have up to date diagnostic systems to help them do their jobs.

Please visit www.smhfoundation.ca and click on the purple ‘Donate’ button to donate to Light the Way.

For more information, you can reach Sally Kidson at 519-797-3230, extension 3230 or e-mail skidson@gbhs.on.ca