The Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 2020 Light The Way campaign has officially begun with an aim to raise money for a new x-ray machine in Southampton.
A statement from the Foundation says the Saugeen Memorial Hospital’s radiology department and x-ray technology plays a vital role in the care of not only emergency room patients but oncology, cardiology and surgical cases as well.
The foundation says after being in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the current x-ray machine has reached the end of its 15 year lifespan.
The cost to replace the old machine will be $510,000.
Hospital Foundation Executive Director Tracy Murray says in a statement, “Since the government does not fund the purchase of medical equipment for the hospital we rely on support from our community to ensure the hospital can stay up to date and continue to provide high quality care for all of our residents and visitors.”
The Foundation notes, 2020 has been a challenge for charities that have cancelled their fundraising events during the pandemic, which makes the direct mail letter for Light the Way that much more important this year.
One event that will continue is the annual Light The Way Radiothon set for December 10th on Bayshore Broadcasting’s 98 the Beach (97.9 fm).
This year’s Light The Way Honorary Chair is nuclear supplier, Kinectrics Vice President Raj Verma.
Kinectrics is challenging all other nuclear suppliers to support the local hospital by donating any amount – but hopefully accepting the challenge by meeting or beating Kinectrics $5,000 donation.
Verma says, “The community has embraced new neighbours from the different nuclear companies with open arms. Supporting Light the Way and the Hospital is the least we can do and maybe I can make a friendly challenge to our fellow industry competi-mates; Let’s see if we can come together and get the hospital the equipment they need as we work our way
through these difficult times.”
Meanwhile, the Foundation is asking the community to watch their mailboxes for the Light the Way x-ray envelope and consider mailing a donation.
Donate online at www.smhfoundation.ca/xray
Donate via text by simply texting the word xray to 226-777-3050
Donate by phone 226-930-1114
Donate during the Light The Way radiothon Dec. 10 6am-6pm on 98 the Beach