Tower of Care Campaign Launch
The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation officially launched its ‘Building A Tower of Care Campaign, Phase II’ at The Prestige Inn November 7.
“We are dedicated to raising $2.5 million over the next three years to furnish and equip the 6th and 7th floors of Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital,” says Campaign Co-Chair Richard Finn. “It’s time for the residents of the North Okanagan to join together in bringing modern inpatient care rooms and enhanced medical equipment to our community.”
The total cost of the project to convert the two shelled-in floors into updated patient care rooms is $29.6 million, with the province contributing $21.6 million, the Regional Hospital District providing $5.5 million and the balance from the Hospital Foundation.
Co-Chair Dr. Chris Cunningham explained the benefits the Campaign will bring to the North Okanagan, “This project combines the human touch with state-of-the-art technology to bring the best possible patient care and family support to our hospital. Sixty new beds will help alleviate our current overcapacity issues, while transitioning to single and double patient rooms will not only help with better infection control, leading to faster recovery times, but allow more privacy, room for medical equipment, and space for family visits.”
During the launch ceremony, two major donations were announced. The Armstrong/Spallumcheen Health Care Auxiliary donated $50,000 towards the Campaign through funds raised from the Bargain Bin store in Armstrong.Dan Currie, owner of Tim Hortons Vernon locations presented a cheque for $31,710, raised through the sale and matching proceeds from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.To date, the ‘Building A Tower of Care Campaign, Phase II’has raised more than $230,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals.A number of prominent community members are helping to lead the Campaign, including Iain Butler (Kal Tire), Nicola Dent (JCI Vernon), Myrika Godard (Durali Villa), Peter Hill (Realtor), Girjit Jhajj (Subway), Dr. Curtis Mohammed (Nuclear Medicine), Darryl O'Brian (Big “D” Products), On Ouch (The Rice Box) and Rob Tedham (RBC Dominion Securities).Community members can contribute to the ‘Building A Tower of Care Campaign Phase II’ by donating to the 26thAnnual Light A Bulb, as funds will be designated to Tower of Care. Pledge forms will be mailed throughout the community the week of November 11th.