The residents of the South Cariboo once more came through for the South Cariboo Health Foundation.
During the foundation's annual Starry Nights Fundraiser this holiday season from mid-November to the end of January, the foundation raised $101,363 from community donations large and small. Their goal had been $90,000 to help buy two new pieces of hospital equipment. It's a result that Danielle Sabiston, the foundation's public relations and fundraising coordinator, and Richard Bullen, the foundation's president, were happy to see.
"I think it went pretty well, pretty much all to plan with no hiccups other than a delay to starting up the lights but we overcame that," Bullen remarked. "We're happy with the funds we raised, can't complain about that. (We got) great support from the community and look forward to doing it all again next year."
Starry Nights is an annual fundraiser held by the foundation where they decorate the 100 Mile District Regional Hospital with elaborate Christmas light displays while encouraging the community to donate money to purchase hospital equipment. This year Starry Nights was raising funds to purchase two pieces of equipment for the hospital, a new video conference system with a 360-degree interactive camera and an OMNICELL Automatic Medication Dispensing System, both for the emergency room. These upgrades are intended to free up nurses and enhance patient care.
Sabiston said the community came out in droves to support the foundation, with several contacting her on ways to donate. She noted she was happy they surpassed their goal, noting they can't ask for much more than that.
In total Sabiston noted 182 donations were made to the campaign over several weeks, large and small. Some of the largest donations included $6,100 from the 100 Mile House Lion's Club, $5,000 from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 and $4,480.98 from Tim Horton's 100 Mile House's Smile Cookie Campaign.
"We have a few community members who donate every year a set amount but everybody's $50 star adds up," Sabiston remarked.
With the funds now in hand, Sabiston remarked they're eager to purchase the equipment. The video conference system will be used to allow staff at the hospital to access specialist care virtually. This means local doctors will be guided through new procedures by other healthcare professionals without nurses having to use an iPhone to call them.
The OMNICELL Automatic Medication Dispensing System, meanwhile, will hold critical medicine in the trauma bay so that it is on hand when doctors and nurses need it. This will help ensure nurses spend more time on patient care rather than busy work.
When asked when the devices will be arriving in 100 Mile House, Bullen said it's a good question. It takes time for Interior Health to confirm the order and get in contact with the supplier, on top of shipping and manufacturing time.
"Sometimes it takes a few months before we see the equipment arrive and even when it does arrive it all has to be sterilized again, which usually goes to Williams Lake to get done," Bullen remarked. "Best case scenario, September I think."
When asked what they'll be spending the excess funds on, Sabiston remarked they'll discuss that at the next meeting of the foundation. She added the hospital staff provides them with a continuously updated wish list of items which they will probably pick an item from.
This year marked the first time Sabiston has run the Starry Nights Campaign, after taking over from longtime organizer Brenda Devine. She is relieved to have this success under her belt, noting she has been blown away by the generosity of the community.
"I know what I'd like to do differently for next year, maybe tweak a few things here or there but I'm looking forward to running another great campaign," Sabiston remarked, adding she is already considering ideas for a new light display for next year.
Both Sabiston and Bullen included by thanking all the donors and sponsors of Starry Nights, noting without them the campaign wouldn't have been a success.
"I can't say enough about the support we receive from the community and the businesses. It's been great and I look forward to keeping up that association," Bullen concluded.
