The Moose Jaw Health Foundation made the difficult decision to postpone the 14th annual Family First Radiothon back in April, but executive director Kelly McElree has now announced the new dates for the popular fundraiser.
The Radiothon, hosted in partnership with local radio station 800 CHAB, will take place on Sept. 10-11 this year, with a goal of raising $195,000 to purchase equipment for the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
Originally, the fundraiser’s theme this year was going to be “Give From the Heart,” with a focus on raising funds for medical equipment necessary to provide quality care to cardiac patients.
But with COVID-19 and the events of the past few months top-of-mind for many, the Health Foundation has decided to shift the fundraiser’s focus to supporting frontline healthcare heroes.
The fall Radiothon, titled “Our Heroes Wear Scrubs Not Capes,” will be focusing on providing new equipment that will be used in the intensive care unit, emergency room, and ambulatory care — including four new cardiac monitors, a new telemetry system, a defibrillator and crash cart, a new Holter monitor, and two new chemotherapy chairs.
“The pandemic brought into focus the importance of healthcare. Our donors and volunteers appreciate the work of our frontline healthcare heroes who have worked nonstop through the pandemic,” said McElree, in an email with the Moose Jaw Express. “We are so grateful for all the donations, and now we need to help these frontline workers with new state-of-the-art healthcare equipment for the ICU, ER and ambulatory care.”
Postponing the Radiothon from its original dates in May was a tough decision, said McElree in a previous interview with the Express, but the MJHF is happy to be able to host the annual fundraiser after all.
“It means everything to bring the Radiothon to the community. Our frontline healthcare heroes will be able to tell the community how much donations help them at the hospital,” said McElree.
Last year, the Radiothon raised $299,684 in support of local healthcare initiatives, and the MJHF is hoping to see the same enthusiastic support during this year’s event.
“The Foundation appreciates the support from the community. We can’t say thank you enough. Moose Jaw and surrounding communities continuously show their support,” said McElree.
