ESTEVAN — The annual Radiothon for Life for the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation set an off-air record, which has pushed the Together We Will – MRI for Estevan campaign closer to its goal.
The fundraiser, held from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on May 21, had an off-air total of $252,044. Since it wrapped up, additional donations have come in, bringing the total to more than $269,000.
"I always am surprised by people's generosity," said foundation executive director Lori Gervais. "I did feel that because this is our second year with the MRI [fundraiser] … I did wonder … that people who donated last year maybe wouldn't want to do that again."
Combined with the economy, she hoped for the best, but she didn't expect to raise so much. Gervais is grateful the people of the southeast have been so generous. She noted a lot of people include a donation to the radiothon in their budget each year.
The radiothon had a head start with a $50,000 donation from Whitecap Resources weeks before the event. Support continued throughout the day, and with an hour remaining, the total was just shy of $145,000. Then Del Wanner dropped by with a donation of $100,000 that Gervais said was "unexpected".
"Knowing Del, who is a huge supporter of the foundation, and a very generous man and just a lovely human being, we visit regularly and I know that he is a great supporter. He donates to the hospital memorial for people who have passed away."
Wanner has supported the MRI campaign previously, Gervais said, but he wanted to step up, be generous and make a donation in memory of his wife Cathy. Gervais noted Wanner wasn't sure about the publicity, but she told him it was good to celebrate people's generosity and encourage others to donate.
The 12-hour fundraiser was aired on Golden West Broadcasting's three Estevan radio stations: CJ 1150, Sun 102.3 and Country 106. Gervais said they had a lot of people milling around the hospital during the day. Â鶹ÊÓƵern Plains Co-op brought food for a barbecue lunch and supper that attracted lots of people, including staff. Other activities also took place during the day.
Power Hour sponsors saluted those who have made significant contributions to the foundation and the radiothon. Donations were made from campaigns that led up to the radiothon. Testimonials included a couple of patient stories from people who have benefited from the hospital's care and who want to see MRI services at the hospital. Lots of staff members in the hospital also had stories.
The MRI for Estevan campaign now stands at around $5.65 million, so it is less than $900,000 away from the $6.5 million goal.
"It's been a consistent flow. People have been showing up [with donations]. Along the way, I kept saying 'Oh, we have 2.5 million [dollars] to go, we have 1.5'. Now we're under a million."
A couple of fundraisers are ongoing. Golf the Â鶹ÊÓƵeast, which features rounds at 12 different courses, is to be drawn June 4. The winner for two e-bikes from the Estevan Market Mall will be known June 18. People can purchase tickets by visiting the foundation's website.
Construction is underway on the site where the MRI will be located. They're waiting for the weather to be ideal to begin pouring cement, and Gervais said things "will be happening in no time". The specially-constructed building for the MRI will be brought in from Quebec.
