By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation has officially reached its $10 million fundraising goal to support the Oncology Upgrade at Penticton Regional Hospital. With a final gift of $150,000 from local philanthropist Lloyd Thomas the $10 million milestone was crossed this week.
After years of dedicated community effort and generosity, the upgraded oncology unit is set to open this summer, providing patients across the region with enhanced access to critical cancer care closer to home.
“This milestone belongs to everyone who donated, shared, and supported the cause,” said Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to our community and to Lloyd for his gift that closed the gap on the campaign. Because of everyone’s generosity, patients in the South Okanagan Similkameen will have access to more comfortable, more advanced, and more timely cancer treatment, right here at home.”
The new upgraded oncology centre will feature expanded treatment areas, increased nursing care, updated technology, and a patient-centred design that better supports those undergoing cancer care and their loved ones.
“It marks a significant step forward in providing world-class healthcare at Penticton Regional Hospital,” the SOS Medical Foundation noted.
The SOS Medical Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, with acknowledgement to several donors whose generosity made a profound impact:
- Summerland Health Care Auxiliary
- Dianne and Essio Truant
- Auxiliary to the Penticton Regional Hospital Society
- SOS Café Volunteers
- Dick and Brenda McConnachie
- John H. Pankiw
- Nor-Mar Industries Ltd. – Gerry Turchak and Family
- PRH Gift Shop – Treasures and Trinkets
- Kiwanis Club of Oliver
- Peach City Tees Up for Cancer
- Singla Bros. Holdings Ltd.
- Pat and Herb Wycherley
- South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Br. #4281
The Foundation also recognizes the ongoing commitment of countless individuals, families, service groups, and businesses who helped make this vision a reality. “This is what happens when a community comes together,” said Lindsay. “We build something lasting, not just for today’s patients, but for generations to come.”
Lindsay emphasized that the Foundation’s work continues, saying: “While this project is complete, our mission is far from over. We’re now raising funds for other urgent equipment needs in our region, including an EBUS bronchoscopy system for lung diagnostics, specialized neonatal equipment for our smallest patients, and robotic-assist technology to improve outcomes in orthopedic surgeries like knee replacements.”
For more information or to support current initiatives, visit the SOS Medical Foundation website.
