$650,000 goal met for digital mammography machine

News Release
Riverside Foundation

The final numbers have been tallied from the Together WE Can Radio-a-thon last week and we’ve reached the goal of $650,000 to bring digital mammography to the residents of the district!
Thanks to the generosity of district-wide residents, businesses, volunteers, organizations, fraternal organizations, service clubs and municipalities.
“Together WE DID IT!” said exuberant campaign co-Chairs, Jan Beazley and Christine Ruppenstein.
“The Radio-a-thon was hugely successful bringing in almost $90,000 in four hours, putting us over our goal”, Jan announced. “93.1 The border donated their time and played a huge part in putting us over the top, Leo did a great job”
“The district is now getting digital mammography and everyone who donated or volunteered to make this happen can be thanked”
A combined pledge of $90,000 was received from the La Verendrye, Emo and Rainy River Auxiliaries. La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary pledeged $60,000 to coincide with their 60th anniversary.
Gillons’ was a huge supporter of this campaign. Duane and Grace Cridland chaired the major gifts committee and also made a significant pledge personally. Their hard work and commitment to healthcare brought in almost $200,000 of the $650,000 needed.
Six district municipalities came on board with a combined pledge total of $63,000 (Alberton-$8,000; Lake of the Woods-$6,000; Dawson-$6,000; Chapple-$6,000; Emo-$10,000; La Vallee-$6,000; Morley-$6,000; and Fort Frances-$15,000).
Back in July we were 75% of the way to the goal and Riverside completed the necessary paperwork needed to order the machine.
“Diagnostic imaging staff submitted the required information to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and after a comprehensive product review, selected the Philips’ MicroDose digital mammography unit - their first installation in the province. This system features the lowest possible dose of radiation while producing exceptional clinical images. Our maintenance staff completed necessary room renovations and the system was delivered early October as we knew the Foundation’s campaign would be successful”, explained Allan Katz, Riverside President & CEO. “Installation has taken place, training is in progress and we’re able to take our first appointments.”
Over 50 volunteers from across the district have been involved with the campaign since the beginning in April. It took exactly six months as planned to raise the $650,000.
Ongoing activities will continue to take place for the Together WE CAN campaign in order to honour pledges that have been made. Watch for further details on upcoming events for the Auxiliaries, the Breast Health Network Spirit of Christmas and a few more. As well, watch for further details on a grand opening event to see the new machine.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign.
Together WE………..DID!