The Winter Giving Campaign hopes to net $1 million to buy equipment to outfit NRGH and Oceanside Health Centre. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

important cause

Significant fundraiser underway for mid-Island healthcare

Nov 24, 2023 | 5:34 AM

NANAIMO — While raising $1 million by the new year is ambitious, the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) has reason to be optimistic mid-Islanders will respond.

Barney Ellis-Perry, NDHF chief administrative officer, said their newly launched Winter Giving campaign is geared toward providing critically needed equipment for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) and the Oceanside Health Centre.

NRGH’s emergency room serves nearly 70,000 patients annually while the 348-bed hospital is far too small, Ellis-Perry pointed out, stating their healthcare professionals are in constant need of equipment upgrades.

“We’re running way over capacity, it’s insane and what we’re asking for now is for the community to say ‘Hey, we know that there’s needs for new equipment and supports for healthcare workers and we’d like to give back.’”

Ellis-Perry said their annual Winter Campaign runs between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 and is also bolstering the 10-year-old Oceanside Health Centre in Parksville.

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“We’re supporting our Oceanside facility which is 10 years old and the need there is a major $1 million dollar X-ray machine.”

Ellis-Perry said the easiest way to donate to the Winter Campaign is online through their website.

Donors can select between directing their funds toward NRGH or the Oceanside Health Centre.

Ellis-Perry said as the money is raised hospital administration will allocate the funds to the most significant needs within NRGH.

“That could be everything from new scans and machines in the operating theatre, it could be things as simple as wheelchairs for patients…it’s whatever is the highest priority that isn’t funded.”

In addition to the Winter Campaign, the second annual Giving Tuesday event coming up on Nov. 28 is raising funds to purchase critical care beds for the pending High Acuity Unit (HAU) project at NRGH.

Up to $100,000 raised during Giving Tuesday will be matched by a generous private anonymous donor.

Ellis-Perry noted each critical care bed costs $50,000.

NDHF also accepts donations in-person at its office located near Nanaimo hospital’s main entrance off Dufferin Cres. from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes