By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The South Okanagan General Hospital’s $2 million fundraising campaign has been given a major boost by the Kiwanis Club of Oliver which is matching all donations in May and June, dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 to help bring vital ultrasound services to the region.
The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (SOS Medical Foundation) said the matching initiative arrives at a critical juncture for the campaign. The first phase, which targeted healthcare recruitment, recently concluded with the opening of two modular homes in Oliver.
The residences are already providing essential support for physicians and front line staff, a move Interior Health officials say is “helping stabilize emergency room coverage and expand patient access to care”.
SOS Medical said the campaign now turns to its next priority: introducing ultrasound services for the first time at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH).
Thousands of residents from Oliver and Osoyoos currently travel to Penticton or Kelowna for ultrasound exams, often facing wait times of several months. The addition of ultrasound services at SOGH will reduce travel, shorten wait times, and allow patients to receive care closer to home, the Foundation said.
“Last year alone, more than 3,600 residents had to leave their community for ultrasound services,” said Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation. “This is about changing that reality. With the support of the Kiwanis Club of Oliver, every donation made over the next two months will go twice as far in bringing essential diagnostic care to our hospital.”
Progress on the South Okanagan General Hospital campaign.
Ultrasound technology is particularly important for families and children, as it provides safe, real-time imaging without radiation exposure. It plays a critical role in emergency care, prenatal monitoring, and early diagnosis, ensuring patients receive timely and accurate treatment.
“The Kiwanis Club of Oliver is deeply committed to supporting children and families in our community,” said a representative of the club. “This project aligns perfectly with our mission. By matching donations, we hope to inspire the community to come together and take healthcare into our own hands.”
The Foundation is calling on residents, businesses, and community leaders to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to double their impact.
For more information about the SOGH Campaign, to get involved, or to donate, visit:
sosmedicalfoundation.com/sogh .
