Radiothon raises over $200,000 for Health Foundation
It’s become an annual spring tradition and one that helps so many people in so many ways – the CHAB Family First Radiothon, a 36-hour on-air pledge fundraiser is designed to raise funds for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.
The 12th edition took place at the end of last week and ended up being one of the most successful ever, with a total of $209,856 raised for the purchase of a host of new and improved equipment at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw.
“It’s a total community effort,” said Health Foundation director Kelly McElree. “Big businesses, small businesses, groups and organizations of all kind come together to make the magic happen with the Radiothon. Some people contribute $1,000, some contribute $5, but every dollar counts.”
The fundraising goal this year was $125,000, with that money earmarked for a traveling endoscopy cart ($57,533), a glidescope digital camera system for intubation and removal of foreign bodies in the airway ($21,000), a new defibrillator ($23,287) and a new surgical cart to offer quick access to equipment in the operating theatre ($6,000).
With the radiothon shattering that goal by more than $75,000, the hospital will now be able to purchase those items, as well as additional essential equipment as needed.
“So we’re just so thankful to the community to make this possible... it’s truly what family is about and will help thousands of people over the years, as well as have an immediate impact,” McElree said. “All these donations will stay in the community and help our friends and family should they ever need to be at the hospital.”
As has become an annual tradition, one final large dona- tion was announced as the event reached the final minutes – and once again, Al and Bernice Fox came through in a major way with a $75,000 cheque. As both patrons have now passed, the 2018 Radiothon will mark their final donation after sending hundreds of thousands of dollars the Foundation’s way over the last 12 years.
“Once again, they pushed us over the top and they’re a very special couple near and dear to the hearts of the Foundation and everyone here at the hospital,” McElree said. “We wouldn’t have a lot the things this facility has without their support and there’s no way they can thank them enough.”
And then there’s the staff and on-air personalities from CHAB as well as their many special guests, many of whom manned the donation lines for hours at a time. “It’s a tremendous crew at Golden West Radio and they really take control and come together to make this happen,” McElree said. “It really takes a lot of work and dedication to make this happen and we couldn’t do it without them and the support of the community.”