By Connie Tabbert
Editor
WESTMEATH — The MRI fundraising campaign for the Pembroke Region Hospital Foundation is $2,800 closer to its goal of $4.5 million.
Barbara Schoof, chair of the foundation, attended the monthly luncheon at the Westmeath Community Centre and received two cheques towards the MRI fund – one from the Riverview Seniors Club and another from ticket sales from a variety show performed on stage at the Westmeath Community Centre earlier this spring.
The seniors hosted a silent auction and tea May 25 and $1,300 was raised, with the MRI fund selected as the recipient of the money, said Doreen McNair, president of the seniors club.
“The MRI is a benefit to everyone in the community,” she said.
MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and it is a scan that can produce detailed pictures of the body, including the brain.
The second donation of $1,535 was from a group who received a New Horizons Grant from the provincial government, noted Sheila Perras. The grant was used to provide a variety of programs for seniors in Whitewater Region Township, she said.
“It was to be used for seniors in rural areas,” she said.
The programs included art classes, yoga, spinning (as in the cycling exercise) and a speaker series, Ms. Perras said. Those who participated in the variety show, which was held earlier this spring in Westmeath, agreed the ticket sales for the event would go to the MRI fund, she explained.
Ms. Schoof said when the MRI fund was started two-and-a-half years ago, the goal was $4.5 million. It now currently sits at $750,000 to be raised, she told those gathered at the luncheon. It’s expected the MRI will be operational by April 2015.
“There are so many good charities out there,” she said. “I am privileged to have you donate towards the MRI fund.”
Following the set-up of the MRI machine, Ms. Schoof noted an orthopedic program will be established. It’s expected four surgeons will come to the hospital and more surgeries will be performed, such as hips, knees, ankles, hands, etc, she said. It will save people having to travel to Ottawa and Kingston for MRI tests and surgeries, she noted.
The monthly luncheon is held the third Wednesday of each month, except for July and August. The meal is all home-made – soup, sandwiches and dessert.
“There are no processed meats used,” Ms. McNair said. “It’s all cooked meats, baked desserts and home-made soups.”
The cost is $8 and everyone is invited, she said. It’s an opportunity to meet people and keep up with what’s happening in the community.
The luncheons are now done for the summer, Ms. McNair said, but will start again in September.
