Annual Vernon Jubilee Hospital fundraiser surpasses goal

Photo: File photo

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, North Okanagan residents let their generosity shine.

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation's annual Light a Bulb campaign raised more than $340,000 during its 2020 holiday campaign – the most ever raised.

When the annual campaign launched last year, the goal was $275,000.

“Our supporters and North Okanagan residents never cease to amaze me in their devotion to health care in our region. At a time when we know that many have been challenged in various ways, we are ecstatic to announce this record breaking total for our Light a Bulb campaign. And while we missed seeing many members of our community who make it a holiday tradition to stop in to our office to say hello and tell us stories about why they give, we were pleased to connect with others on the phone and via email,” said Michael Kinghorn, VJH Foundation president.

Money raised from the campaign will go towards the purchase of an additional echocardiogram machine – a piece of equipment that produces a comprehensive ultrasound exam for physicians to learn about a patient's heart function.

“Having this additional machine will enable us to significantly increase our capacity to do more echocardiograms for patients,” said Justin Tait, cardiac sonographer at VJH. “Currently, we have two machines that produce high-quality images of the heart and assist us in analyzing many forms of heart disease. One machine is dedicated to performing exams for in-patients while the second machine is for out-patients. This third machine will help us keep up with ever-growing demand and to significantly reduce our wait-list for out-patients.”

The campaign success and surpassing of the fundraising target means the VJH Foundation can support the purchase of additional equipment for the hospital.