We’re just a couple of weeks into a brand new year and the holiday season has all-too-quickly disappeared into the rear-view mirror.
But it’s never too late to say “thank you” to all those who donated to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s 10th annual Tree of Dreams campaign. The foundation received more than $600,000 in donations over the November-December period.
Admittedly this includes some pretty big donations, but it mainly consists of smaller contributions of $50, $100, and $200. Individually, these donors may not generate headlines, but their support of Penticton Regional Hospital is also greatly valued. All donations — big and small — come from the heart.
The community’s generous response helped boost our overall PRH campaign total to more than $5.8 million. Yes, we still have a very long way to go to reach our $20-million goal by the end of 2019, but it’s a great start. All the money goes toward purchasing medical equipment for the new Patient Care Tower at PRH.
The provincial government is expected to announce its P3 private sector partner on the project within the next few weeks and the sod-turning will be held this spring. The new tower is due to be completed by late 2019. Phase 2 — a major expansion of the PRH emergency department – will begin soon afterwards.
We can’t wait to see the first shovel go into the ground. Stay tuned.
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Kudos to the local Indo-Canadian community who organized a special fundraiser for the foundation’s PRH campaign. The Jan. 3 dinner/dance at the South Main Drop-In Centre, featuring music by the Vancouver band En Karma, attracted a full house. Our thanks to the organizers and all those who turned out.
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Speaking of fundraisers, circle Feb. 13 on your calendar. Bodies on Power presents its “Sole to Soul” fundraiser for the SOS Medical Foundation. Join Jo Gagne and the Bodies on Power team at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 1-3:30 p.m. for this rocking, fun mass fitness event. Classes include Zumba, Yoga, Disco and other workouts. What better way to get back into shape after the holidays and help out the Foundation’s hospital campaign.
Tickets are $15 before Jan.15, $20 until Feb. 1, or $25 at the door — available at Bodies on Power on Vees Drive or the Foundation office just inside the front doors at PRH.
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Penticton Tune-Agers’ conductor Gordon Dawson and treasurer Julia Lipov recently dropped by our office to present a cheque for $2,781 towards the PRH tower campaign. The donation stems from the Christmas Extravaganza concert, hosted by the Tune-Agers at the Penticton United Church. Six local choirs performed before a packed, appreciative audience on Nov. 22. The Tune-Agers, who have been performing for the love of music for years, currently have about 65 members.
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Remember those Smile Cookies offered at Tim Hortons back in September?
The final tally is now in. The $30,067 generated in Smile Cookie sales at the Tim Hortons restaurants in the South Okanagan has been donated to the PRH tower campaign. Our sincerest thanks to the Stawarz family, owners of the Tim’s outlets in Penticton, Summerland, Oliver and Osoyoos, who have pledged to contribute $100,000 over five years.
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Gateway Casinos is donating $20 for every goal the Penticton Vees score at home during the entire 2015-16 regular season. The current tally, heading into the Jan. 13 game against Wenatchee, stands at $1,660 for 83 goals. Thanks to Gateway Casinos – and the Vees for playing so well. Go Vees go!
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Thanks also to all those who bought tickets on the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary and Summerland Health-Care Auxiliary’s draws for a pair of plane tickets to anywhere WestJet flies. Congratulations to Penticton first prize winner Glenn Haberback and Summerland raffle winner Debby Regensburger.
Both auxiliaries are major supporters of PRH. The Penticton group has pledged $250,000 over five years. The Summerland Auxiliary, which operates their incredibly popular Thrift Store on Victoria Road, has pledged $1 million over five years.
John Moorhouse is the development and communications officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.