Just over a year after its launch, Riverside Health Care has announced that the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign has reached its goal to raise $ 1.67 million and bring the first-ever MRI machine to the Rainy River District.
The milestone was announced during Riverside’s inaugural golf tournament at Kitchen Creek Golf Club, an event that pushed the campaign past its goal. 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.
Holly Kaemingh, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, said she will remember the countless people who stepped forward to help make the vision possible.
“Watching this campaign unfold has been incredibly inspiring. Every event, every donation, every volunteer and every conversation helped build momentum toward a shared goal,” Kaemingh said.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who chose to support the campaign. This milestone belongs to everyone, and we’re excited to see the difference these investments will make for our community.”
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.”
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.”
