The South Cariboo Health Foundation's Starry Nights campaign has officially begun encouraging people to donate to support the hospital.
The campaign already received two donations from the 100 Mile House Legion as well as the 100 Mile House Lions Club. The Legion donated $5,000 - while the Lions Club donated $6,100 - which totals up to $11,100 for the Foundation - which aims to raise $90,000.
In addition, the 100 Mile House Tim Hortons is joining in: between Nov. 18 and 24, any purchase of their Holiday Smile Cookie - described as a "delicious white chocolate sugar cookie infused with red and green sprinkles and hand-decorated with a white icing smile face" according to the media release - will have its proceeds to help support the foundation as well as their Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
The Starry Nights campaign, according to Danielle Sabiston, the public relations and fundraising coordinator for the South Cariboo Health Foundation, is their annual fundraiser where lights are put on top of the 100 Mile and District General Hospital and lit up during the Christmas Season.
"It's a way of encouraging people to donate," said Sabiston.
"I'm thrilled. This is my first year running this event. I'm so happy that we have the support of our local community, individuals, as well as these other organizations that are willing to help out and support healthcare in the community." Sabiston stated, about the donations.
Ray Carlson, who is both a long-time member of the 100 Mile House Lions Club, as well as the current president of the 100 Mile House Royal Canadian Legion, says this is the first time that the Lions Club and the Legion had cooperated in a donation.
"I said to them, last night, I think - this is a particularly special moment that we are cooperating together and give that donation together. And I think that the impact of it is will resonate through the community a little better." Carlson explained, while referring to the fact that he had brought it up in a Lions meeting the night prior.
The Health Foundation is raising the money to get equipment for the hospital: first, there is a 55 inch monitor and a 360-degree interactive camera which is really a video conferencing system.
"That will allow our doctors to contact specialists in other parts of B.C. - and provide guidance and help with trauma patients in the moment." Sabiston explained - adding how patients in their emergency department will benefit by being able to more easily access remote care. "Right now, my understanding is that it takes a staff member holding a mobile device like a cell phone, to have any of that access."
The other major piece of equipment the foundation aims to purchase is the OMNICELL Automatic Medication Dispensing System, which also can be beneficial to patients.
"Having a small one in the trauma bay means that medication that could be life saving is accessible quickly, as well as the nurses can focus more on patient care and monitoring," Sabiston explained.
Sabiston says that those interested in helping can reach out to her at 250-706-2101, or the website of the South Cariboo Health Foundation, which offers a link where people can donate via PayPal.
