By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Two retired physicians from Oliver and Osoyoos have stepped forward with early leadership gifts to support the South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) Campaign.
Dr. John Dimma and Dr. Dave Shaw, who cared for families across the South Okanagan for decades, have each donated $5,000 to the campaign.
Both contributions were made in November, so they could be matched through the SOS Medical Foundation’s Giving Tuesday partnership with Brutus Trucks and Bodies, which is matching all gifts up to $75,000 until December 2, 2025.
“For decades, these physicians cared for families across Oliver and Osoyoos,” said Ian Lindsay, CEO of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. “Now, they’re stepping forward once again to help secure the future of healthcare here. Their leadership embodies the spirit of this campaign.”
Dimma and Shaw, who are serving on the community committee guiding the campaign, are working alongside volunteers to help raise $2 million to upgrade and expand critical services at SOGH. Their goal: “deliver the level of care residents deserve, close to home, with every dollar staying in Oliver and Osoyoos.”
“Oliver and Osoyoos are vibrant, growing communities,” said Shaw. “This hospital is our heart. Enhancing its services will strengthen healthcare for everyone.”
Dimma added: “We want to see SOGH thrive for the next generation, and the fact that the donation is doubled is amazing. This is our time to step up as a community.”
The SOS Medical Foundation notes this campaign is about local people supporting their local hospital, with the Foundation saying it is thrilled to be in Oliver and Osoyoos championing an investment that directly transforms care at SOGH.
“This is the moment for Oliver and Osoyoos to shine,” said Lindsay. “Every dollar raised stays right here, strengthening the South Okanagan General Hospital and ensuring that local residents benefit from modern, expanded, community-driven healthcare.”
The $2 million fundraising campaign is targeting three initiatives for the South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH), including new equipment and the realization of the innovative initiative to build housing for doctors in Oliver.
This includes $875,000 for a new ultrasound, $825,000 for a new digital x-ray machine and $300,000 for new medical staff housing.
The Foundation will be in the community this week, accepting donations and sharing campaign information:
- Valley First in Oliver
Thursday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m - Holly Jolly Oliver Community Concert at Venables Theatre
Sunday, November 30 – Volunteers will be on site collecting donations.
Gifts can also be made online at sosmedicalfoundation.com/sogh or by calling 250-492-9027. Donations received until December 2 will be matched up to $75,000, doubling their impact for SOGH. Donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt for their 2025 taxes.
