Magnetic Moments MRI Campaign closes in on fundraising goal

Barbara Anne and Richard Ottewell presented a cheque of $50,000 to AMGH. (L-R): Vanda McNeil, Kimberley Payne, Barbara Anne and Richard Ottewell, Ben Hogervorst and Mandy Sinclair.

By: Kate Smith

As a result of recent generous donations, the Magnetic Moments campaign is now only $284,985.75 away from the original $6.5 million fundraising goal.

While the campaign is very close to reaching that original target, AMGH Foundation states that the work is not yet finished.

Last week, Barbara Anne and Richard Ottewell donated $50,000 to the campaign and were inspired to be part of the fundraising efforts to bring an MRI to Goderich for various reasons.

“For us, it is personal. AMGH is our hospital and has been for almost 50 years,” said Barbara Anne.

“Our children were born there. We, and our parents, have received exceptional care there over these many years.”

According to Campaign Associate Mandy Sinclair, AMGH is currently preparing an updated budget for the MRI project to reflect current costs and economic factors, including changes in construction costs, tariffs and fuel costs.

AMGH CEO Jimmy Trieu will present this revised budget to the AMGH Foundation board of directors and Magnetic Moments campaign cabinet on Oct. 14. More details will be shared following this meeting.

“To all those who consider AMGH as your hospital, we would encourage you to donate as you are able,” said Richard Ottewell.

“Our hospital needs us, so it is there when we need it.”

Another donation came from B.M. Ross and Associates Ltd. (BMROSS), which donated $100,000 to the Magnetic Moments campaign.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, BMROSS has a long history of building communities through engineering and planning and supporting local community initiatives.

The leadership and staff at BMROSS recognise the community-led efforts to bring much-needed medical equipment to Goderich, supporting better healthcare outcomes for people throughout Huron County.

With recently signing the official purchase agreement with Siemens Healthineers Canada, this has brought AMGH closer to bringing important diagnostic technology for the first time and stands as a significant investment in the future of the hospital.

The machine selected is a 1.5T MAGNETOM Flor Elite MRI system that features advanced technology designed to enhance the experience for patients, staff and physicians.

Purchasing this MRI machine follows months of planning to determine the correct technology to bring these services to AMGH.

As the campaign reaches more milestones, fundraising efforts will continue to build on this momentum.

Kimberley Payne, Executive Director of the AMGH Foundation explains that the community has always shown incredible spirit of showing up and the Magnetic Moments campaign is no exception.

Across the county, generous folks have rallied together to organise third-party events spanning concerts and book clubs to bake sales and even exclusive access to Windmill Lake Farm.

Payne says that local businesses have recognised the need for this important technology in the place they work and play and pledged their support. Service clubs have proven time and again their dedication to the community, and individual donors have stepped forward with gifts to a hospital that has been there for them.

“Whether donating $1 through a third-party fundraiser, purchasing a ticket to an event held in support of the campaign, or writing a cheque for $500,000, each and every donor is a leader in helping ensure that AMGH remains a leading regional healthcare facility for years to come,” remarked Payne.

To support the Magnetic Moments campaign or to find out more about the MRI machine visit www.magneticmoments.amghfoundation.ca