EllisDon eager to take active role
EllisDon Infrastructure is still relatively new to the South Okanagan, but they’re eager to take an active role in our community.
The company is the province’s private sector partner in the $312.5-million expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital. Now they want to help the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20-million campaign to provide the medical equipment for the David E. Kampe Tower at PRH, now under construction.
EllisDon is hosting a fundraising golf tournament on Monday, Aug. 28 at the Penticton Golf & Country Club. Many of the subcontractors, trades and equipment providers are being invited to participate, but the tourney is open to the public as well.
The entrance fee includes a round of golf (1 p.m. tee off) with a preceding lunch and dinner to follow. All net proceeds go to the Medical Foundation’s PRH campaign. A number of major sponsors have already been confirmed – including Poplar Grove Winery, Greyback Construction (ask about the “margarita hole”), Appleton Waste, Harris Rebar, Engie Services and others.
There are enough carts for 100 golfers, with each participant getting a golf shirt and other cool stuff. There’s room for 120 people at dinner which includes a silent auction and raffle – and a whole lot of fun.
For more information, contact the SOS Medical Foundation office at 250-4929027 or email Cathy Nord at cnord@ellisdon.com. A similar tourney is in the works for 2018.
As I mentioned in this column last month, the SOS Medical Foundation still needs to raise almost $7 million to reach our $20-million goal. We’re now at $13.3 million in donations and pledges. That seems incredible, but the second half of any fundraising campaign is usually much more difficult than the first. However, with continued support from residents, businesses and organizations throughout the region we will definitely reach our goal.
A huge thank you to members of the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary, which has now donated more than $200,000 towards their $250,000 commitment to the SOS Medical Foundation’s PRH drive. Although South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver has been very much in the news for various reasons in recent weeks, the Auxiliary (and most area residents) realize that patients with more serious health concerns must be transferred to Penticton Regional Hospital.
In the Similkameen, the Rotary Club of Princeton has donated $15,000 from their annual Wine Gala held in February which goes towards their $30,000 PRH campaign pledge announced last summer. Princeton Rotary joins three other local Rotary clubs who are also generously supporting PRH – the Rotary Club of Penticton, along with Oliver and Osoyoos.
Don’t forget about Oliver Rotary’s annual gala this Saturday, April 22 and the Harlem Ambassadors fun basketball game on April 30 at SOSS. Our sincere thanks to all Rotarians for the great service they provide our communities.
The Penticton Hospital Auxiliary still has tickets available for their annual Take An Old Bag to Tea fashion show fundraiser. This is a great fun event to be held on Sunday, June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Tickets are $25 each (if bought by May 28) available at the PRH gift shop, from auxiliary members or by phone: 250-492-4000 Ext 2380. A separate raffle is being held for a stunning diamond bracelet. By the way, “old bag” refers to older handbags and purses which guests are invited to bring along!
John Moorhouse is the development and communications officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. For information on donating, call 250-492-9027 or visit: sosmedicalfoundation.com.