Two more donations mean The Health Foundation is another step closer to funding the conceptual plan for a new regional hospital in Yorkton.
Last week both BHP Billiton and local car club - Kambusters stepped up and gave.
"We think planning for a new hospital is a terrific idea," says Colin Boehm, President of the local car club. "That's why our club is pleased to make a $1,500 donation to help put a conceptual plan in place."
Boehm says Kambusters receives a lot of support from the community through sponsorships and attendance at races so this is one way of giving back to everyone in the community.
"We were fortunate to make a profit this year, and when we can we like to give back to the community to return the support the community gives to us.
The donation took the campaign to over $150,000. The goal is to raise $193,000.
BHP gives $10,000
At a separate news conference held last week The Health Foundation and BHP Billiton announced a $10,000 contribution that BHP made to the new surgical equipment campaign.
Chris Ryder, Vice President of BHP Billiton for External Affairs explains that BHP has a policy of donating one per cent of pre-tax profits to charities in the area in which they have business operations.
"Obviously BHP is not making a profit on operations in Saskatchewan yet as all of our operations are in the exploratory or developmental phase, says Ryder.
"However, BHP believes we will have operations in Saskatchewan for a long time, and we intend to be part of the community."
John Kilroe, Senior Manager of Land Explorations for BHP, adds that what BHP looks for in its contributions is that there will be a lasting benefit from their donations.
"We want to know there will be a benefit that lives on past our donation, and doesn't require more donations to continue to provide a benefit to the public. From that perspective, this donation made a lot of sense to us as this equipment will improve service and the range of service to the people of this area for many years."
"BHP actually made this donation some time ago, and this is the first opportunity we have had to say thank you, says Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation.
"We are especially appreciative of BHP Billiton making this donation as we know their operations in this area are only exploratory at this time. But we do hope that BHP will be a part of our community for a long time."
