Another winner has taken home an impressive pot that is directly helping improve access to healthcare in the district.
Riverside Health Care announced that Diane Graham of Fort Frances was the winner of the April 50/50 draw that is helping raise funds for the “Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS!” campaign working to bring advanced diagnostic imaging equipment to the Rainy River District. Graham won $12,270, meaning an equal amount went towards the campaign’s goal.
In a press release from Riverside, Graham shared that news of her win came as a surprise.
“You know what, normally I don’t answer my phone, and I was just sitting there and answered… and oh, it was you!” she laughed.
“I called everyone, and said, ‘Guess what!’ I was so excited.”
Graham also stressed the importance of giving back to the community, especially with how much of an impact new diagnostic imaging equipment will have on the Rainy River District.
“You always want to support your local hospital, and this is my small way of supporting it,” she said.
“Especially now, when MRIs and tests like that are so important. If we can have it right here in town, it’s so much easier. I hate having to go to Thunder Bay or Winnipeg for tests… When you think about it, it’s so great for our entire region to be able to benefit from this. All the places in our area will be so lucky…it’s easy to support something like an MRI being close to home.”
According to Riverside, the campaign has now entered its final stretch, getting ever closer to hitting its $1.6 million goal to bring the District’s first MRI machine to the area, as well as new x-ray equipment and other improvements that will benefit all of the district when it comes to improved, high-quality health care in the region. Holly Kaeming, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, noted that the community has truly risen to the occasion through supporting the organization’s many fundraising efforts.
“In less than a year, the level of support we’ve seen has been truly overwhelming,” Kaemingh said.
“Our community continues to show up in meaningful ways, and it’s making a real difference as we move closer to bringing advanced diagnostic care to Rainy River Health Centre and La Verendrye General Hospital.”
Proceeds from Riverside’s 50/50 draws are currently going towards the “Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS!” campaign, but Graham said that even in the future, when the campaign has successfully achieved its goals, she’ll be happy to continue supporting new campaigns that will benefit the region.
“I can’t wait to support what’s next!” she said.
“It’s great to have new equipment and support the things we need or could replace. This is the hospital for all of us here. If you really need something, this is where you come. We’re lucky to have what we do, but we can all help to make it even better.”
Tickets for May’s 50/50 draw are available now and can be purchased at www.rhc5050.com, by stopping by the La Verendrye General Hospital Administration Office Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., by calling 807-274-6635, or by visiting in person every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Main Entrance of La Verendrye General Hospital off Front Street. Those who buy their tickets before May 22 are also qualified for the $1,000 Early Bird Draw sponsored by The Barn.
