Hospital Angels of Giving campaign underway

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

As the 100th anniversary year winds down for Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, there is still a push on for the hospital foundation to meet its goal for the 100 for 100 Club as well as the Angels of Giving Campaign.

Angels of Giving is not a new campaign for TDMH Foundation as it’s been going more than 20 years. This year-end campaign allows hospital patrons to donate in memory of a loved one. The name of the memorialized person is then put on an angel decoration on the Christmas tree in the hospital. For this year, there is the added bonus of any new donation of $100 or more will become part of the permanent 100 for $100 recognition materials.

“This is only this year in honour of the 100th anniversary,” said Gerry Dearing, foundation executive director.

The work of the foundation is important as it is funds highest-priority equipment purchases for the hospital. Although provincial funding is provided to hospitals, it is for operating costs and staffing and not equipment.

Every year, the foundation identifies items it will fund in the hospital. This year’s big item is the start of a multi-year bed replacement campaign. With each patient bed costing $17,000 and beds for the intensive care unit coming in at $55,000, this is a huge commitment. Also on this year’s list of target items is vital sign towers, which are the tools placed next to beds with equipment to monitor blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs. A gastroscope rounds out the wish list for 2025.

One unique feature of the Angels of Giving campaign this year is the launch of the campaign was the night of the Santa Claus parade. Called Light the Hospital, the lights were turned on at a launch party that featured hot chocolate and cookies for parade watchers, with an invitation to come in and see the donor recognition wall. This event is being planned annually.

While TDMH and Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll are working on amalgamation as Rural Roads Health Services, the board of directors of both hospitals is steadfast in its commitment to retain two separate foundations.

“We believe this is a way to respect past donors and cultivate future local giving where the need is the greatest - to enhance services at the site,” stated a press release on the topic.

Donations can be made through the web site at ruralroadshealthservices.ca by going to the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and click on the “Donate Now” button, in person at the hospital or by scanning the attached QR code.