On October 6th, 92.3 Bounce Radio set out with a goal to raise the $20,000 needed to buy four new reclining chemo chairs for the GBHS Cancer Care Unit. Listeners answered the call to help purchase the chairs, and even more equipment, by raising an incredible $81,905. Thanks to the community’s generosity the best cancer care will be kept close to home.
“Starting at 6 am, our volunteers were ready to answer phones and accept donations,” shared Amy McKinnon, the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation’s CEO. “Before noon, we had already reached the goal to purchase four new chemo chairs! The community’s kindness continued to blow us away when donations kept coming to purchase even more equipment. We hope all the listeners are proud to support the care of their friends, family and neighbours.”
After the initial goal of $20,000 was met, donations from the community continued to come in. The additional $61,905 will help Oncology bring in more needed equipment. Last year listeners helped purchase five flexible scopes used to look at patients’ bladders, urethra and prostate. This year’s additional funds, will buy a new cystoscope cart that will make the scopes portable for use in different departments. Other equipment funded by this year’s event include a blanket warmer to ease chills during treatment, and a water bath which helps locate veins during chemotherapy treatments. All of these items, will go a long way in improving patient comfort and care.
“Watching the total climb all day was an incredible experience. There were so many beautiful tributes to family members, friends, healthcare teams and messages of support that came with each donation. Thank you to everyone who shared their strength and stories, the kind volunteers and generous community for making this all possible. Radio for Oncology is a cause that myself and the Bounce 92.3 team are passionate about, and the community clearly feels the same,” said Program Director Don Vail.
For more information about the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation, or to make a donation, visit www.oshfoundation.ca or call 519-372-3925.
