After 12 hours on the air, the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation ended the Radiothon with a heavier wallet than when it started.
The foundation held its annual fundraising event over the Estevan airwaves on March 19, collecting $52,400 in donations, though Becky Conly, the foundation's executive director noted donations were still coming as of Monday, and they were probably looking at a grand total of around $54,000.
"The day went very well. We really enjoyed having it at the St. Joseph's Hospital," said Conly. "The staff really liked the atmosphere that it created, having the music and the live ads going. We had a lot of volunteers there going on the radio and helping (on the phones)."
This was the first year the event was stationed at the hospital, with it being held at the Estevan Shoppers Mall in the past. The only hiccup was a brief worry about being able to plug into the building's Internet connection.
"It is a radiothon for the hospital and it was just nice to bring people through the door and really see what they're giving to," added Conly. "We had lots of walk up donations as well, so lots of people came through the doors who wouldn't necessarily have come through the doors."
The SJHF carries a wish list that includes many items and it will be up to the hospital to give the foundation some direction. Conly said they will work closely with hospital executive director Greg Hoffort on what the most pressing needs of the hospital are.
Conly said they need a new blood pressure machine and a vital signs monitor right away, along with a syringe pump for dialysis. Those are some of the things the money will likely be spent on first.
As the event unfolded a number of hospital staff, volunteers and some patients were welcomed onto the radio to talk a little about the hospital and share their stories. Emergency room manager Tara Daoust talked about the importance of the ER department and all the equipment inside that allows staff to diagnose and treat patients quickly. Renee Goulet, manager of OBS and maternity shared some information on what the donations of the past have purchased to help hospital staff in her department.
Schools from around the city also made their way to the hospital to present the spoils of their own fundraisers that they were now ready to donate to the foundation.
"For us to raise almost $54,000 in 12 hours just shows the generosity of the individuals and businesses here in Estevan. Without them calling in to donate we wouldn't have success at this radiothon," said Conly. "It's not something you can plan for. You just have to hope that people are going to call in and make donations. This is the third year now and each year it has been a success thanks to the generosity from Estevan."
