After all, the long-time Moose Jaw radio personality had just spent 26 of the previous 36 hours broadcasting from the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital foyer as part of the annual fundraising event for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.
But Carnie looked like he could go another 26 hours at least. And all one had to do was look at the giant cheque sitting behind him – the one with $299,684 printed on it, the numbers slotted into place by Health Foundation executive director Kelly McElree moments earlier – for a good reason why.
When you see that kind of support from the people of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area, it’s easy to find plenty of energy to push through the end of a long, long run on air.
“It’s worth it because it’s a really good cause and when you talk about being part of the community, it’s a true community effort,” Carnie said. “A lot of people, hundreds of people, come together for the Family First Radiothon. The Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the guys and gals at the radio station put a lot of effort into this particular show, but the community comes together with the fundraising and we’re just proud to be a part of it.”
The fundraising goal for 2019 was $150,000, with the aim of purchasing a lithotripsy unit to dissolve kidney and bladder stones inside the body at the local hospital without necessitating a trip to Regina or Saskatoon.
A lofty mark, to be sure.
One that the Radiothon hit and more in the span of seconds when the estate of Ken Loftus donated $185,000 to the event on Friday afternoon.
“He was a friend of mine and lived in the same neighbourhood and was truly a wonderful guy, a humble person and very giving person. And frankly I didn’t know he had that much money,” Carnie said with a laugh.
“It was just an incredible and kind donation.”
As one would expect, McElree felt much the same way and pointed out just how much that donation would accomplish.
“The gift from Ken Loftus, that’s game-changing, because not only will we be able to purchase a lithotripsy unit, we’ll be able to purchase a brand new anesthetic machine that will further the quality of care at this hospital and now we’re able to launch into a digital mammography campaign to bring the next generation of mammography to our community,” McElree said.
“It’s very humbling to see the level of generosity and caring that people have for this hospital, and the amazing staff at this hospital…. we would not be able to achieve what we did without the generosity of our donors and the wonderful staff at Golden West Radio, who really take this event to heart and truly make it a Family First Radiothon.”
Carnie saw and heard first hand just how much people cared through his time on air, and the results were simply awe-inspiring at times.
“Just today, for example, a guy from the south country, he and his brother came in to have tests done and they dropped off some cash,” he said. “And then we had a lady from Eyebrow who happened to hear the Radiothon on the radio and she came in and made a cash donation. We had people dropping five bucks and 10 bucks, and some major contributions. But they all add up.
“And all the money stays right here at home, it makes healthcare better for the entire community. It’s just a great event.”
