Big push for PRH

Photo: Contributed

The Rotary Club of Penticton has committed more than $250,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s medical equipment campaign for the new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital.

Club spokesman Ben Amos said the initial intent was to raise $250,000, which included a $100,000 donation from an anonymous club member to jumpstart the campaign.

The gift was to be matched by other club members, and the club itself add a further $50,000 from its fundraising initiatives. However, individual club members have already surpassed their $100,000 goal.

Amos said he is delighted by the response to the PRH campaign.

“I find it hugely gratifying,” he said. “I want everyone looking at this great new place, to be able say: ‘I’m a part of it.’

“The significance of the hospital was recognized as the most significant project that this city is going to see in a long, long time – if ever."

Rotarian John Pankiw recently acknowledged he is the club’s “anonymous” donor.

“I just wanted to make it interesting so that, with the matching fund, it might motivate everyone else to give,” he said. “Hopefully, the momentum that we’ve generated will carry on, and I believe it will.”

Janice Perrino, the foundation’s executive director, said she’s overwhelmed by the incredible response from the club.

“We hope all of the region’s Rotary clubs will decide to become involved in this important project,” she said.

Construction of the new tower at PRH is set to get underway in the spring and be complete by late 2019.