The details are still slim, but there will be a big fundraising initiative by the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation this year.
Mary Ann Weickert was re-elected Chair last month, and she tells us the hospital lab in Southampton will be renovated.
Weickert says once the footprint of the plan is finalized, the foundation will get a better understanding of how much money needs to be raised.
She says it’s a very necessary portion of the hospital, as the lab gets over 220 thousand visits per year.
The foundation is currently helping to raise money for the new mammography unit at the Owen Sound Regional Hospital.
Weickert thinks fundraising this year might be tough.
She says it’s partly due to the fact that the economy is now catching up to our region, and they’re competing with other charities that have great marketing campaigns.
Weickert also feels the public may not fully understand the importance of hospital foundations.
She says the Ministry of Health only funds hospitals for the operating budgets, and the foundation is responsible for raising money for any new equipment or training programs needed.
Brian Wakelin, an instrumental member of the board, announced his retirement after six years of service as director and Chair.
