Response to hospital radiothon ‘absolutely amazing’

More than $100,000 raised, as Yarmouth hospital hosts event for second year

The second edition of the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s WE CARE Radiothon was a great success, raising more than $100,000.

As of Friday morning, Feb. 2 – the day after the Feb. 1 event – the amount of money raised through this year’s radiothon stood at $ 103,000, surpassing last year’s figure of $92,000.

This year’s total also was basically double the fundraising target organizers had set for this year.

“Absolutely amazing,” said Mary Surette, development officer with the hospital foundation and a member of the radiothon’s organizing committee. “It’s unbelievable and we’re certainly overwhelmed with the generosity of the tri-counties.”

Money raised through this year’s event was to go towards the purchase of a portable ultrasound and a radiant infant warmer for the regional health centre’s maternal child department. The combined cost of those two pieces of equipment is just over $80,000.

Like last year, the event was carried on Y95 CJLS, the Hospital foundation radiothon volunteers Liz Prime, far right, and Suzanne Babin-Muise were among those helping out with the Feb. 1 fundraiser, as they accepted donations from people in the Yarmouth hospital lobby. This picture was taken about halfway through the 10-hour radiothon. radiothon’s presenting sponsor. This year it went from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the broadcast again taking place from the hospital lobby, next to the south entrance.

People had a number of op- tions for making pledges, including by phone, online or in person.

A good volunteer contingent – including members of the hospital foundation’s board of directors – helped make the event a success once more.

The broadcast enabled a number of guests to talk on air about the importance of the cause, among them medical personnel and other people who were on hand to do their part in one way or another.

Referring again to the fundraising total, Surette said, “What can I say, we were overwhelmed ... our community is just absolutely fantastic. When there’s a need, our community rises to the occasion, that’s for sure.”