The Saskatchewan Hospital New Beginnings campaign took its fundraising pitch to Chamber members at Tuesday’s meeting.
Battleford Furniture owner Chris Odishaw, who was with the Sask. Hospital fundraising delegation, issued a challenge to businesses to match his business’s contribution of $10,000.
Chamber president Terry Caldwell then confirmed he and his wife Stacey would accept Odishaw’s challenge and contribute $10,000 towards the campaign on behalf of their businesses Carpet Superstore, Empress Furniture and Porta Bella Restaurant.
“Contributing to this campaign is investing in our futures – into a growth in jobs and into the growth of our local community,” Odishaw said in a statement following the meeting.
“I’d like to thank Terry and Stacey for recognizing the impact this new hospital will have on our local economy and helping us get to our goal of $8 million.”
More than $6.4 million has been raised so far towards the $8 million target. The fundraising effort is raising money for furniture and fixtures at the new facility.
Odishaw also announced at the meeting he would donate $2,000 to Citizens On Patrol, an organization Caldwell supports.
There is further word about the expected timetable for completion of the new hospital. Saskatchewan Hospital director Linda Shynkaruk told the Chamber they expect to be handed the keys to the new hospital Aug. 2. Afterwards there will be staff training on the new technology at the facility.
The patients are expected to move in around November.
