I’ve been part of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation team for almost two years now, and it never ceases to amaze me what incredible support we receive from all segments of our community.
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Foundation’s 11th annual Tree of Dreams campaign is about to get underway. For the second year in a row, our focus will be on providing medical equipment for the $312.5-million expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital.
This year, in addition to lighting the rooftop Christmas tree at PRH, the massive construction crane will also be adorned with lights to help highlight our campaign. An official crane-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 29.
One of the most common questions we get asked is: “How is the campaign doing?” The SOS Medical Foundation is committed to raising $20 million by the end of 2019. In the 20 months since the campaign’s launch with Penticton businessman’s David Kampe’s amazing $2-million donation in March of 2015, we’ve raised $12 million in donations and pledges from businesses, service clubs, individuals and other charitable foundations. And this doesn’t include the $3 million Mr. Kampe is also donating for a permanent MRI machine at the hospital.
Now another Tree of Dreams campaign is upon us and we are again asking for the community’s support. We still have $8 million to go. Please consider a donation – your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Fundraisers
Speaking of fundraisers, the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary still has tickets available for its WestJet raffle.
You have a chance to win a return flight for two to any WestJet destination. Second prize is $200 cash and third prize $150. Raffle tickets are $5 each, available at the PRH gift shop or from auxiliary members. The draw will be held Dec. 21.
Progress
Meanwhile, construction of the new patient care tower is starting to show significant progress. Our website (sosmedicalfoundation.com) includes a link to Interior Health’s webcam of the construction activity.
The camera looks across Government Street to the construction site and a new image is taken every 60 seconds. It’s definitely worth a few looks over the next several months to watch the tower grow.
It’s also great to see Penticton-based Greyback Construction be awarded a $12-million contract for concrete work on the new tower and the adjoining parkade.
The six-storey parkade will have room for almost 400 vehicles and provide patients with direct access into the tower on the first and second floors.
John Moorhouse is the development and communications officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. For information on donating, please call 250-492-9027 or visit our website sosmedicalfoundation.com.