Islanders come through
QEH/Eastlink Telethon exceeds half-million dollar goal
Islanders came through in a big way for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital this weekend by giving more than $539,089 for priority medical equipment.
The QEH/Eastlink Telethon, broadcast live on Saturday and Sunday from Eastlink’s Stratford studio, had set a goal of $500,000 for its 21st year.
Telethon chair Bob Sear, said the event’s success was only possible through the generosity of Islanders.
He also noted the importance of the hospital to Islanders, with a number of grateful patients sharing their heartfelt stories throughout the weekend of the care they received at the hospital.
“Being able to get health care on P.E.I., where your friends and family are, is important to everyone. That’s what it’s all about, it’s getting the equipment so patients can stay here on P.E.I.,” said Sear, who thanked all those who volunteered and donated.
“The Island community makes this success possible.”
The money raised will go towards medical equipment priorities, which include urology surgical equipment, a pediatrics cardio-respiratory central monitoring system, mental health, stroke care and more.
The QEH provides health services to about 1,000 patients every day.
The telethon, which is in its 21st year, is a celebration and culmination of fundraising events in support of the QEH that take place throughout the entire year.
The funds raised included mailed donations, walk-in donations, as well as funds given by phone or online through individuals, businesses and community groups.
“We experienced Islandwide community engagement from gifts of all sizes and raised in so many creative ways,” said Tracey Comeau, QEH Foundation chief executive officer. “For over 20 years, Eastlink TV’s production team and volunteers along with QEH Foundation’s volunteers and staff have provided a quality showcase in celebration and support of the QEH.”
Earlier this week, the QEH Auxiliary launched the telethon with a $50,000 gift and commitment to fund a new patient meal tray system to replace the current system that’s been in place for more than 30 years.
On the final day, TD announced a gift of $50,000 for equipment in the new pediatric outdoor therapeutic play space, one of the priorities from last year’s event.
The gift will also allow funds to children’s health to be directed to the pediatric unit for a new state-of-the-art cardiorespiratory central monitoring system.
Bruce MacLean, regional manager with Eastlink TV on P.E.I., said the company’s production volunteers take a lot of pride in working on the telethon.
“It takes a lot of planning and production effort to do a live, two-day event,” said MacLean. “We’re happy to partner with the QEH Foundation because it’s a great cause and so many others are part of the effort into making each telethon a success.”
This weekend, more than 100 individuals volunteered their time as production crew, production assistants, hosts and co-hosts, interviewers, performers and telephone operators for the two-day 18-hour event. It also included performances by more than 40 acts.
Sear noted that through its 21 years, the telethon has raised more than $8 million for equipment at the QEH.
“It’s certainly an amazing amount of money and takes a lot of volunteers,” said Sear. “We thank Islanders and look forward to next year.”