A total of $243,157 was raised to support the high acuity unit project at NRGH. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Giving Tuesday

‘Really good news:’ donations soar to bolster future High Acuity Unit at NRGH

Dec 3, 2023 | 5:50 AM

NANAIMO — Known for rallying behind important causes, the mid-Island community stepped up during
a single-day campaign to back the Nanaimo hospital.

Nearly $245,000 was raised during Giving Tuesday last week, well beyond the goal of $100,000.

“That was an ambitious goal for us, it was only our second Giving Tuesday…the phones had been literally ringing off the hook, our online system even had a little bit of a meltdown,” said Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.

The higher than expected total allows hospital administrators to buy five specialized critical care patient beds for the dozen-bed High Acuity Unit (HAU) at NRGH, which is expected to open next year.

Going into Tuesday, Nov. 28 nearly $70,000 had been pledged for the specific fundraiser to benefit the HAU initiative.

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Ellis-Perry said strong community response shows the desire people have to enhance critical equipment requirements for acute health services in the region.

“That’s really, really good news. The community’s outpouring has been totally phenomenal and we’re really grateful,” Ellis-Perry said.

Local community organizations and corporate partners played integral roles in pacing the Giving Tuesday fundraiser, he noted.

A generous local private donor matched all Giving Tuesday donations up to $100,000, which Ellis-Perry said motivated more people to support the cause.

While Giving Tuesday has come and gone, raising money is far from over for the NDHF team.

The non-profit organization is in the midst of its Winter Campaign, which aims to generate $1 million by Jan. 15 for other equipment purchases at NRGH and help buy a new X-ray machine at the Oceanside Health Centre.

More information on the NDHF, including ways to donate to its various causes, can be found here.

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