By Daryl Major

Light it up: Hospital Foundation brings back Christmas campaign

Nov 30, 2017 | 4:20 PM

NANAIMO — Like a kid at Christmas, staff at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital have a wish list this holiday season.

But instead of video games or action figures, the hospital’s list included critical medical equipment typically purchased by the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation. Over the years, the Foundation has spent over $30 million on equipment.

The Foundation’s fundraising received a big boost in 2016 from the inaugural Light the Trees campaign, which brought in $600,000 in donations.

Hospital Foundation CEO Janice Perrino said it was an easy decision to do it again.

“The hospital is always coming to us with needs for their equipment. So we said ‘absolutely.’ We would never not be there for them, so we’re doing it again.”

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The 2017 campaign, which officially gets underway on Dec. 1, has a goal of raising $525,000.

“That’s to cover off the bulk of the equipment that the hospital has asked us to purchase,” Perrino said. “This is everything from surgical lights, ultrasound machines, patient stretchers, upgrades for MRIs. You name it, we’re buying it.”

The trees in front of the main entrance to NRGH are wrapped in lights and as donations roll in, more trees will be illuminated. The goal is to have every tree shining bright by Christmas eve.

To find out how to donate or get involved, check out the foundation’s website.

daryl@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @5minmajor