Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) has closed the books on another Light the Way campaign, raising $412,000.
In a January 7 media release, the campaign ran from November 12 to December 31 and raised funds for a new x-ray machine at the Southampton Hospital.
“Fundraising has been unpredictable through 2020 and heading into 2021 due to the ripple effects of Covid both financially and socially for our community," said Mary Jo Arnett, Board Chair. “We didn’t set an official internal goal for this year’s campaign for that reason. We went out to the community for support of the needed x-ray equipment but we really had no idea what giving would look like this year for people," Arnett said.
Of the $510,000 required for the purchase, SMHF is happy to say the community "came through as strong as ever" for the 2020 campaign.
"Our community has proven year after year that they value the importance of having a local hospital here in Saugeen Shores. The impact of the generosity and support from residents, local businesses and clubs literally touches the lives of everyone in our community," said Tracy Murray, Executive Director for the Foundation. "We all use the hospital and its services at some point and I think when people donate to our Foundation it makes them feel like they have made a difference in the lives of their family, friends, neighbours and all of their fellow residents. This community is without a doubt Saugeen Shores Strong," Murray added.
In addition to this community fundraising achievement the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Auxiliary announced that they have committed to donating $51,000 over the next three years to the Hospital Foundation for the x-ray campaign. As well the Chantry Island Cham-bettes virtual Christmas Home Tour raised $9,200 to go toward the x-ray. This brings the x-ray fundraising total to $463,000, leaving only $37,800 left to be raised.
"The Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation would also like to thank our honorary Light the Way Chair, Kinectrics, represented by Raj Verma, VP IMS for their support and issuing the competimates challenge to other nuclear suppliers encouraging them to donate to the x-ray fundraising efforts," read the release. "We are so very grateful for the community’s support throughout the year. Without you, strong local healthcare wouldn’t be possible. We thank you for choosing to make the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation and healthcare in your community a top priority on your giving list."
