Riverside Health Care has named A.J. Tucker of Fort Frances the winner of its May 50/50 jackpot, bringing it to within $60,000 of its $1.6-million goal to raise funds to expand diagnostic care in the region.
“In less than a year, the level of support we’ve seen has been truly overwhelming,” Holly Kaemingh, director of fundraising for the “Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS!” campaign, said in a press release.
“Our community continues to show up in meaningful ways, and it’s making a real difference as we work toward enhancing diagnostic imaging services and care opportunities locally.”
Tucker, who received the news of his $10,760 win just getting off a night shift, described the experience as “awesome,” adding that picking up the phone call was “worth it.”
The 50/50 raffles support the campaign to bring new state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment, including updated X-ray machines for the La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances and Rainy River Health Centre and the first MRI machine in the district to be located in Fort Frances.
Housing the new MRI unit will also require Riverside to construct a new addition to La Verendrye. The provincial government has also committed approximately $12 million in funding, which will go towards both equipment and construction costs.
The new MRI machine, which has been ordered, will bring high-speed imaging and efficiency, allowing faster appointments and more patients to be seen in a day.
Tickets are now available for the June 50/50 draw, with participants who purchase before June 12 to be entered for a chance to win the $1,000 Early Bird Prize sponsored by The Barn.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.rhc5050.com, by visiting the La Verendrye General Hospital Administration Office Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., by calling 807-274-6635, or in person every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Main Entrance of La Verendrye General Hospital off Front Street.
