After just one year, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s “A Clear View” campaign has reached its goal to raise $1 million.
The money will go towards purchasing a new digital stereotactic mammography unit for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
The original campaign goal was to do it in two years, but thanks to some significant donations and serious fundraising in not only the Elk Valley, but all across the East Kootenays, the end goal of $1 million was reached a full year ahead of schedule.
Several key individuals from the Elk Valley took it upon themselves to help raise awareness, organise events, and come together with other groups to help bring the best in breast cancer care to the East Kootenay region. Acting as the faces of the campaign for the Elk Valley were Evelyn Cutts and Susan Schmitz. Stephanie Rogers, owner of Fernie business Stephanie’s Art & Glass, organised a ski and snow board-a-thon to raise funds. There were also major efforts made by Aysha Haines from the Fernie Rotary Club, and Pat Moore with the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation.
The largest gift to come out of the valley was a whopping $75,000 from Teck Coal. Several other local organizations came forward with donations, including Elkford Lions Club, Golf for the Cure, Walk for A Clear View, East Kootenay Shrine Club, and Triangle Women’s Institute.
The East Kootenay Foundation for Health will be holding a public open house celebration after the equipment has arrived and is in operation.