Radiothon fundraising over eight years for local hospital breaks $1M record

The 8th annual Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Light the Way Radiothon once again proved the generosity of the community when it comes to their local hospital.

The Radiothon has become a fundraising success story, hosted by Bayshore Broadcasting’s 97.9theBruce in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores). Starting at 6:00 a.m. and running through to 6:00 p.m., the twelve-hour marathon of giving included phone-in pledges, where volunteers took phone calls throughout the day on the system donated by Bruce Telecom, and those who dropped into the radio station in person to donate.

             Volunteers on the phones -(L) Elise lepine, Kathy Hope & Foster Cuomo

It was a non-stop day where the volunteers, Foundation Board members and radio staff unable to leave the station, received sustenance from Tim Horton’s for early morning coffee and muffins, Lord Elgin Fish and Chips for lunch along with a variety of pizzas from Pizza Delight.

Jeremy Kranenberg was the first donor to kick-off the fundraising event when the doors opened, with an $800 donation.

“I was going to buy presents for all my nieces and nephews but this is a more important cause.”

 

For larger view, Click on Image

For larger view, Click on Image

Some of those who came in to the station, told their personal stories on air of why they were there to donate money that would go toward things like cardiac monitors and a much-need expansion of the nurses’ station on the second floor of the hospital.

Tanya Wolfe told of how she had experienced first-hand the need for cardiac monitoring equipment.  At only 47 years of age, Tanya experienced a heart attack and was rushed to Saugeen Memorial Hospital where, she said, she received nothing but the best of care.

“I know it can be a four-hour wait in the Emergency but be patient and be kind and count your blessings that we have our hospital and health care close to home.  We have it so good in this area of a small but generous community.”

Ross Lamont also told the story of his father-in-law, who will be 100 in March 2024.  “Mark (Preston) was living in Hampton Court (Southampton), when he fell.  He was immediately taken to our local hospital where he stayed until he could get into the long-term care centre in Southampton, so we are especially motivated this year to donate to the hospital, anything to help make our nurses’ jobs easier, as part of the funding is going toward the nursing station expansion.”

Lamont has long ties to the hospital where he was born and where his mother was a nurse specializing in obstetrics delivering many babies over the years.  “This is a great hospital providing great care when it’s needed.  The Foundation does great work in reaching out to our giving community when it comes to fundraising.”

Rebecca Brookham, Director of Research and Innovation of the newly branded GBHC to Brightshore, said that research is focusing on technology and virtual care to monitor health care in the home.

   (L) DJ Brian Longmire (Longy), Rebecca                     Brookham & DJ Mike Brough (Bruffer)

“The health and wellness of staff is also critical, both mental and physical.  We have six hospitals, but our main office is in Owen Sound Hospital with studies going on at each site.  It’s very exciting for a community hospital to be part of this new innovation and research study as it is usually carried out in larger urban centre hospitals.”

 

As the day wore on, donations kept coming in, both small and large.  “It doesn’t matter how much people have to give as every dollar counts,” said Hospital Foundation Executive Director, Tracy Murray.

For larger view, Click on Image

Dave Myette, who wears several hats, as Town Councillor, President of Lake Huron Fishing Club and Board Director of SPARKS, donated $500 from under each hat.  “There is no doubt that our hospital plays a key role in attracting physicians to the area.  When recruiting, doctors want to know that there is a modern, efficient hospital in the area where they can work. So, keeping the hospital equipment up to state-of-the-art is vital.”

The Chantry Island Cham-bettes, once again this year, made a significant donation following their successful Christmas Home Tour 2023.

James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President, Operational Services, came in at 4:30 p.m. to help with on-air pledges as he has in the past. While in the broadcast booth, several colleagues of Scongack’s called in to donate with larger than average pledges:  E.S. Fox ($10,000), Mike Lemckey of Lord Elgin Fish & Chips ($1,000), the Kuperus family vacationing in Florida ($15,000) … and several more.

James Scongack fielded calls and donations

“We are so lucky to have this radio station and everyone who works here to undertake this huge endeavour each year,” said Scongack. “While it’s an easy cause to support health care close to home because, at some point it will touch us all, without the commitment of the station and staff who work all day and the community who continually give to provide up-to-date quality equipment, we would not have this hospital.”

Scongack and wife, Jenny, were co-Honourary Chairs of the campaign, ‘Bring TOM to Town – CT scanner” with the campaign raising the goal of $3M in ten short months.

   Tracy Murray on air at the  end of a long day was excited with the result!

Foundation Executive Director, Tracy Murray, also added that without the volunteers and partnerships, the equipment needs of the hospital would never be met as the government provides no funding for equipment. “I cannot even begin to thank everyone who makes this possible. We have to thank our volunteers, board members, Bruce Telecom, Tim Hortons, Lord Elgin Fish and Chips, Pizza Delight and, of course, our radio station and staff and everyone who donated, Bruce Power, James for coming in … and the list goes on!  This year, we had no specific goal as we did with the ‘Bring TOM to Town CT scanner’ campaign, so I was a little worried but, as always, this community comes through. It’s absolutely awesome!”

At the end of the day, the amount raised broke the second place record of 2021 of $215,000 … raising $231,558.

In eight years of the Radiothon, $1.189 MILLION has been raised by the community through the station for hospital equipment needs.

A remarkable feat!

Light the Way runs until the end of December and is the Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser. We urge the residents and businesses who haven’t yet donated to please return their Light the Way donation form they received in the mail or donate online at www.smhfoundation.ca or call 519-797-3230 x3230