Goal surpassed

The “Just Imagine” campaign has surpassed its fundraising goal thanks to the generosity of district-wide residents, businesses, organizations, fraternal organizations, service clubs, and municipalities.
“We did it!” said an exuberant campaign chair, Deane Cunningham. “We have surpassed our goal of $1.5 million.
“Our new total is $1,554,000,” he announced. “The district is now one step closer to getting a CT Scanner!”
The past week saw some major donations come in that helped raise the final $100,000 needed.
A pledge of $20,000 was received from the RBC Royal Bank, along with their announcement of the first-ever RBC Charity Golf Tournament being held in Fort Frances on July 7.
The CIBC also made a significant pledge of $15,000.
Six district municipalities came on board with a combined pledge total of $39,000, including Alberton ($8,000), Chapple ($5,000), Emo ($10,000), La Vallee ($4,000), Morley ($2,000), and Rainy River ($10,000).
The Town of Fort Frances then pushed the campaign over the top with its pledge of $26,000.
The current total is almost $60,000 over the goal of $1.5 million.
The additional funds will be held as contingency until the CT Scanner is completely installed.
“I’m quite certain there will be some additional costs that were not anticipated,” noted Cunningham.
“There is also ongoing medical equipment needs for all three district hospitals and Rainycrest [Home for the Aged], so it [the extra money] will definitely be put to good use.”
With news of the goal being surpassed, Wayne Woods, CEO of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., is now busy preparing the paperwork needed to go to tender.
“We have submitted the required information to the Ministry of Health and hope for a quick approval to proceed to tender,” Woods noted.
“If the district can raise $1.5 million in less than six months, we should be able to have the CT Scan operational in that time,” he reasoned.
Foundation Director, Teresa Hazel, director of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, was equally overjoyed.
“The district did it again!” she marvelled. “We have so many generous people—generous in spirit, generous in time, and generous with their financial support.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you . . . to everyone!” she exclaimed.
More than 50 volunteers from across the district have been involved with the “Just Imagine” campaign that officially kicked off Oct. 20 with Bill Michl running from Rainy River to Fort Frances.
The million-dollar milestone was achieved in mid-January, which was renamed “Scanuary.”
On Jan. 24, an incredibly successful four-hour radio-a-thon hosted by B•93 fm brought in more than $180,000—bringing the campaign goal in sight.
Donations of $10 to $10,000 came in daily throughout the last five weeks, with totals averaging an outstanding $50,000 per week.
Ongoing activities will continue to take place for the “Just Imagine” campaign in order to honour pledges that have been made.
Watch for further details on upcoming events at Canada Safeway, the Canada Day Car, Cash & Cabin Lottery, Energy Fitness Centre’s 5K in May event; and the RBC Royal Bank’s Charity Golf Tournament.
If you still would like to make a donation to the “Just Imagine” campaign, contact the Foundation office at 274-4803.