Following a $20,000 donation from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area A, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s (EKFH) Beneath the Surface campaign is halfway to raising enough funds to bring an ultrasound service to the Elk Valley Hospital.
Hoping to raise $300,000 by Sep. 30, funds are sitting at $144,054 as of Sep. 14.
The campaign lunched on Aug. 12, and is aiming to reach its goal by Sep. 30.
“For a small community to raise this much money in a month is incredible,” said Brenna Baker, executive director of the EKFH.
“The board members and staff at the EKHG are so thankful to the residents and businesses who have stepped up. We hope that this is just one of the many pieces of equipment that we are going to be able to bring into the Elk Valley in the near future.”
Assisting with the endeavour, Teck Coal agreed to match all business and community donations made prior to Sept. 30, up to a total of $50,000. Given the RDEK’s latest donation, the amount raised now exceeds their match-able sum.
The Elk Valley Epic, a mountain biking event held on Sep. 5, also raised an impressive $14,275 for the Beneath the Surface campaign.
Adding to community support, Fernie Brewing Co. is currently donating proceeds from their Cheers to Charity program to the Beneath the Surface campaign.
Apart from funding the machine, donations will also go towards purchasing all required accessories, and renovating the room the service will be offered in.
According to Baker, a local ultrasound service has been a long time coming for a hospital the side of the Elk Valley Hospital. Currently, the closest ultrasound machine for local residents is either in Cranbrook or Alberta.
“A local ultrasound machine is really important because it will cut down (on) people having to travel to Cranbrook. It’s also really important to have that service local so people don’t have to wait in long waiting lists.”
The Elk Valley Hospital is set to begin renovating their new ultrasound room within the next few weeks, and hopes to begin offering the ultrasound service shortly after their goal is reached.
For more information or to donate to the campaign, visit EKFH.ca.
READ MORE: Elk Valley communities come together to raise funds for local ultrasound service
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