A loud round of applause filled the clubhouse at Kitchen Creek Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday, July 11, as Holly Kaemingh, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, announced that the health provider’s inaugural fundraiser golf tournament had helped the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign across the finish line to its $1.67 million goal to bring the first-ever MRI machine to the Rainy River District.
“When we planned this tournament, we hoped that it would be a great day of golf, great company, meaningful support for local health care, but what we didn’t know was that it would become even more of a special day,” Kaemingh said.
“Over the past year, our community has rallied around the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign which is bringing MRI and digital radiography services to our district. And every donation, every fundraiser. Every raffle ticket purchased has helped us towards this goal, and coming into today, we were very, very close and we did it,” Kaemingh announced, making those gathered for the golf tournament some of the first in the district to know that the goal had been achieved.
According to a press release from the healthcare provider, the campaign, which launched last April, saw support from across the Rainy River District and beyond.
“Local businesses led the way, representing the largest group of individual donors,” Riverside said.
“While fundraising events, 50/50 ticket sales, public sector and community partners, service clubs, Riverside staff and auxiliaries, and individual donations all played an important role in the campaign’s success. Children hosted lemonade stands, volunteers dedicated hours and donors from across Ontario also contributed to bringing advanced diagnostic care closer to home.”
The campaign was accelerated by a $1-million gift from the FDC Foundation—the largest single philanthropic contribution in Riverside Health Care’s history.
Following the announcement Kaemingh said the support she’s seen has made her thankful to be part of the community.
“I’m proud. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community and have had the support,” she said. “I’m so thankful that everybody has trusted in me and attended events like today and everything else we’ve done, purchased 50/50 tickets. There’s been so much support and I can’t take the credit for that. That’s the community in the district, so I’m just so grateful to be in this role, and I, I love what I do.”
With the fundraising goal achieved, Riverside is now focused on delivering the next phase of the project.
According to the release, preparation is already underway at both hospital sites, with installation of new digital radiography equipment progressing and expected to be operational before the end of the summer.
The MRI will take a while longer, with construction set to begin as soon as possible.
Planning and construction are advancing at La Verendrye General Hospital to create the space that will house the district’s first MRI, bringing advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home for patients throughout the region, with the first MRIs anticipated in spring of 2027.
For Kaemingh, the fulfillment of this campaign isn’t the end but a new beginning.
“The generosity of our supporters has made this next phase possible. Reaching our goal marks the successful conclusion of the fundraising campaign, but it also signals the beginning of exciting next steps,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these projects move ahead as construction progresses, new technology is installed, and these incredible investments become a reality.”
Riverside said the new tech will help patients from across the district avoid hours of travel to receive diagnostic imaging.
“For patients and families, these investments will mean faster access to advanced imaging, improved technology, and fewer trips outside the district for diagnostic services. They will also support clinicians with enhanced imaging capabilities, helping improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and the overall patient experience,” the release said.
Andrea Faragher, director of diagnostic services, said the impact will be felt across the entire region.
“The addition of new digital radiography technology and the future MRI service represents a significant advancement for diagnostic care across our region,” Faragher said.
“These investments will enhance the quality of diagnostic imaging, improve access to care, and support earlier diagnosis and treatment, while providing our clinical teams with the advanced tools they need to make timely, informed decisions for the patients we serve.”
Diane Clifford, the chair of Riverside’s board, said the campaign will be remembered for the generosity of the community and the effort that has been put into making it a success.
“The story of this campaign isn’t measured in dollars; it’s measured in people,” said Clifford. “It is the story of a community that believed in bringing these advanced services closer to home and came together to make it happen. Every act of generosity became part of something bigger.”
While there isn’t another large campaign on the horizon, the Riverside monthly 50/50 will remain in place to raise funds.
“The Riverside 50/50 is here to stay, in fact, July’s jackpot has already surpassed $10,000 and growing!,” said Riverside Communications Coordinator Kathryn Pierroz.
“Moving forward, 100% of 50/50 proceeds will support Riverside’s General Equipment Fund, helping purchase essential equipment that enhances the care we provide across our organization. We look forward to sharing more details about this shift later this month when we announce our July 50/50 winner.”
In the release, Riverside thanked everyone who contributed to the campaign:
“Riverside extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign. Every contribution, every act of generosity, and every show of support helped make this milestone possible. This achievement reflects the remarkable compassion, generosity, and commitment of the people and communities we are proud to serve.”
