More than $1.8 million was raised for several key mid Island healthcare initiatives through the NDHF's Winter Giving Campaign. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

generous donations

‘It’s something that everybody can get behind:’ Winter Giving Campaign nearly doubles goal

Jan 23, 2024 | 3:02 PM

NANAIMO — A $1 million fundraising goal initially viewed as ambitious was blown out of the water.

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s (NDHF) Winter Giving Campaign netted more than $1.8 million following fundraising efforts between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15.

The funds will be directed toward several key initiatives, including medical equipment for the High Acuity Unit (HAU) at Nanaimo hospital scheduled to open later this year and to help buy new x-ray suites at Parksville’s Oceanside Health Centre.

NDHF board chair Tony Harris said the resounding success of the winter giving campaign reflects how important people in the region view the value of healthcare.

“It’s really nice to see that people are responding to the needs of their hospital and generally the delivery of medical care in this region,” Harris told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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He noted nearly 250 new NDHF donors we among the more than 1,800 donors who helped realize the largest Winter Giving Campaign in their history.

Three Island Health long term care facilities will be bolstered through the recent successful fundraising drive: Dufferin Place, Trillium Lodge and Eagle Park Health Care Facility.

Harris believes the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized to people just how important our healthcare system is.

“It really drew into focus how the healthcare system is there for us when we need it, but indeed also the pressure that it’s under. We all need to come together to ensure that we give the tools to the professionals on the front line to do their job to the best of their abilities.”

Referencing more than $5 million reached in separate campaigns to support Nanaimo hospital’s HAU and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Harris said the NDHF will continue to prioritize future improvements at NRGH.

He said the philanthropic momentum building in the mid-Island region will have positive effects for years to come.

“You’re supporting effectively more than half of the population of Vancouver Island who rely on NRGH and the community of healthcare professionals around it, it’s something that everybody can get behind.”

A successful Winter Giving Campaign perhaps shouldn’t be a shock after $245,000 was raised ($100,000 goal) through the NDHF Giving Tuesday fundraiser in late November, which allowed five specialized critical care beds to be purchased for the HAU.

Donations to the NDHF can conveniently be made online here.

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes