St. Marys Healthcare Foundation Launches $650K campaign for new hospital x-ray machine

April Barker, finance coordinator for St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, and Emily Schade, x-ray technician at St. Marys Memorial Hospital, showed their excitement in advancing the quality of care with a new x-ray machine.

By Alex Hunt

Peace of mind and quality care close to home. That’s what the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation hopes to deliver with its $650,000 x-ray campaign.

“So far, the Foundation has raised just over $60,000 through our gala event, community donations and monthly 50/50 draws,” said Bernice De Decker, fundraising and communication coordinator at the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation. “Our ‘Be an Angel’ direct mail campaign and generous community donations have also contributed to our goal.”

De Decker says that there is no timeline to acquire the x-ray machine, but the equipment is the foundation’s highest priority due to its essential function in diagnosing patients, as well as enhancing the quality of care for the community and beyond.

The St. Marys Healthcare Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization aimed at supporting local health care. Its mission is to invest in essential hospital equipment, support staff education and enhance wellness services. Guided by values of compassion and generosity, the foundation’s priorities include upgrading St. Marys Memorial Hospital, sustaining the Wellness Centre and other forms of support.

“Every donation matters and supporting local healthcare is an investment in the wellbeing of your family, friends and neighbours,” said De Decker. “It means peace of mind knowing quality care is available close to home when it’s needed most.”

Beyond the x-ray project, De Decker says the foundation will keep its focus on ensuring St. Marys Memorial Hospital and the Wellness Centre have the tools and resources they need. That includes supporting staff education, funding technology upgrades and investing in community programs that promote wellness.

“Our most recent project was a $3 million capital campaign to completely renovate the east and west wings of the hospital, which included major upgrades to inpatient care areas,” said De Decker. “Thanks to incredible community support, we created modern and welcoming spaces for patients, families, staff and volunteers, ensuring the best care is delivered close to home.”

Last year alone, the foundation raised a total of $719,320. This past August, $25,000 was raised at the annual golf tournament, with the 50/50 draw bringing in just over $80,000.

Community members can support the campaign by making a secure online donation at stmaryshealthcare.foundation, taking part in the monthly 50/50 lottery with proceeds going directly toward the new x-ray machine, or reaching out to info@stmaryshealthcare.foundation to learn more about becoming a board or event volunteer.