Kevin Anderson
editor@lapressecommunautaire.ca
KAPUSKASING – Kapuskasing’s Sensenbrenner Hospital was in a celebratory mood this past Friday, as representatives made the announcement that the CT Scan fundraising campaign had not only met, but exceeded its goal of $1.75 million.
“We’re all still in shock,” said the hospital’s CEO, France Dallaire. “That we were able to reach our goal in 78 days is beyond any of our wildest dreams. We’re speechless.”
The day of the big announcement was marked by another flood of donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals, which combined with previous contributions totalled over $1.8 million.
Fundraising Campaign Chair, Gilbert Peters, said that the support from Kapuskasing and the surrounding area had been tremendous and that the campaign didn’t require any real convincing when presented to potential contributors in order to reach its goal.
“When you’ve got a project like this, which stands to benefit the entire region, the idea sells itself,” he commented. “We were extraordinarily fortunate in that regard.
“We made presentations and delivered packages to potential donors and it wasn’t long before they started coming to us with their contributions. We didn’t have to knock on a lot of doors. That the project was so well received, is something we’re very proud of.
“I’d like to thank our fundraising group for their efforts and their reliability, as well as everyone who has contributed thus far for their tremendous support. Today is a great day.”
More to come
Despite the fact that the fundraising goal has been reached, contributions will continue to be accepted by the fundraising campaign.
“The Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation contributed $1 million, which put us extraordinarily close to our goal,” said Chantal Boyer-Brochu. “That being said, the Foundation has informed us that if we continue to receive donations, they will allow us to reallocate a portion of its contribution to fund other projects at the hospital.
“So, if people would still like to be a part of the fundraising campaign and be recognized for their contribution to this project, they are able to. The money from those donations will go toward the CT Scan and we will be able to transfer some of the Labelle Foundation’s contribution toward other efforts. It is by no means too late to be a part of this tremendous campaign.”
Ribbon cutting expected by year’s end
While the fundraising efforts have reached their goal, there remains work to be done before the CT Scan is up and running at the local hospital.
In addition to the final paperwork being filled out, renovations necessary to house the CT Scan machine must also be completed.
With that in mind, Dallaire said it is the hope of the hospital to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed project by the end of 2019.
“There is still work to do now that we’ve hit our fundraising goal,” said Dallaire. “It is our hope that with the paperwork, renovations and all of the other necessities to get the machine up and running, that we will be inviting people back (to the hospital) by the end of the year for a ribbon cutting ceremony to declare the CT Scan officially open.”
