By Times Chronicle Staff
More than $830,000 has been raised during the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s fifth annual GivingTuesday campaign to support critical healthcare needs across the region, including priority projects at both Penticton Regional Hospital and South Okanagan General Hospital.
Launched in 2021 and inspired by Penticton businessman Gerry Turchak of Brutus Truck Bodies by Nor-Mar Industries Ltd., GivingTuesday has grown into one of the Foundation’s most impactful annual fundraising initiatives.
Some of the many cheque presentations that were made for GivingTuesday to Ian Lindsay, CEO of SOS Medical Foundation: Penticton and District Stamp Club – $1,000; Keremeos Royal Purple Lodge #83 – $1,000; Sun Rise Rotary Club – $8,652; Penticton Lions Club – $2,000.
SOS Medical Foundation photo
Once again this year, Brutus Truck Bodies stepped forward as Matching Gift Champion, matching donor contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000 throughout the month-long campaign.
For Penticton Regional Hospital, this year’s campaign focused on advancing care for two of the region’s most urgent health needs, cancer and heart disease, through the purchase of advanced, AI-assisted medical technology.
Donations will help purchase a new Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) system and a replacement Echocardiogram machine. These upgrades will accelerate diagnoses, shorten wait times, and ensure patients receive life-saving care close to home, the SOS Medical Foundation notes.
Some of the many cheque presentations that were made for GivingTuesday to Ian Lindsay, CEO of SOS Medical Foundation: Penticton and District Stamp Club – $1,000; Keremeos Royal Purple Lodge #83 – $1,000; Sun Rise Rotary Club – $8,652; Penticton Lions Club – $2,000.
SOS Medical Foundation photo
At South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, funds will support the Foundation’s $2 million campaign to enhance local care. The campaign focuses on three critical priorities: bringing ultrasound to SOGH for the first time, upgrading to a new digital X-ray system, and creating temporary housing to help keep the emergency department fully staffed.
“The success of this year’s GivingTuesday campaign shows us the power of this community,” says Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation. “Gerry Turchak’s leadership continues to inspire, but it’s the collective effort of all of you that drives real progress for patient care right here at home. Together, we’re building a healthier future for everyone in our region. Thank you for making it happen.”
Some of the many cheque presentations that were made for GivingTuesday to Ian Lindsay, CEO of SOS Medical Foundation: Penticton and District Stamp Club – $1,000; Keremeos Royal Purple Lodge #83 – $1,000; Sun Rise Rotary Club – $8,652; Penticton Lions Club – $2,000.
SOS Medical Foundation photo
For those who may have missed GivingTuesday the SOS Medical Foundation has just launched its 20th Annual Tree of Dreams campaign, with the iconic tree once again shining brightly atop the hospital, “symbolizing hope, generosity, and community spirit throughout the holiday season”.
To learn more or to donate, visit sosmedicalfoundation.com
