The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation will have more money to purchase much-needed medical equipment at the hospital, thanks to support shown for the Radiothon for Life.
The fifth annual event on April 14 raised $40,560 for the foundation. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., people phoned in or dropped off their pledges. Golden West Radio’s three stations in Estevan provided updates and information about the hospital throughout the day.
“Going in, we didn’t know what to expect with the way things are, but people came through,” said Rebecca Conly, the foundation’s executive director. “This event is a really great opportunity for people who don’t have the tens of thousands of dollars to give.”
The donations ranged from just a few dollars to more than a thousand dollars.
“Those smaller amounts are really what make charities go, and we’re just really grateful for what we received,” said Conly.
A few donations came in before the broadcast. Conly noted contributions were made throughout the fundraiser, but the busiest times were at the beginning and the end of the event.
A barbecue lunch also attracted a lot of people.
People who have received treatment at the hospital shared their stories, and Conly believes those helped to generate a lot of donations.
“There are so many people who are grateful for the staff and the services that we offer at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Conly. “We have some who have used the services in the past and some who have used them this year. Of course Carol Cundall, who was the voice of the radiothon, has just an amazingly inspirational story, and she was just wonderful.”
The foundation has yet to determine where the money from the radiothon will be directed. A few requests need to be fulfilled, including some new epidural pumps, new equipment in the emergency room and more. The foundation’s board will decide which equipment to purchase at an upcoming board meeting.
