Service clubs and businesses gave big towards Penticton Hospital’s new oncology clinic during Nov. 28’s GivingTuesday to raise a whopping $625,000.
“The clubs expressed their incredible generosity for GivingTuesday to help bring better cancer care to the South Okanagan Similkameen,” said SOS Medical Foundation director of development Lissette Little.
Gerry Turchak, founder of Brutus Truck Bodies by Nor-Mar was the Giving Tuesday champion for the third year in a row, doubling donations.
Penticton Kinsmen gave $40,000 towards the new clinic.
“The Foundation extends their gratitude to all who participated in supporting quality healthcare in our region. We have an incredible community,” Lissette added.
On Dec. 4, the Summerland Health-Care Auxiliary presented a cheque for $150,000 to the medical foundation. Since the beginning of this year, the auxiliary has raised $350,000, more than one-third of its promised $1 million target.
The SOS Medical Foundation is raising $10 million to help expand the oncology department for the South Okanagan and Similkameen, meaning double the space for cancer patients.
According to the SOS Medical Foundation, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and cancer will increase in the region by 30 per cent in the next 20 years.
READ MORE: Summerland Auxillary donates $150k to Penticton hospital cancer department