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By Duane Grandbois

VJH Light a Bulb Campaign Exceeds Goal

Dec 29, 2017 | 12:37 PM

The hospital tree is fully lit!  Due to the generous spirit of the North Okanagan community, Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation’s 30th Annual Light a Bulb Campaign has raised $275,888 exceeding its $250,000 goal.

Businesses, individuals and organizations contributed to the Campaign in amounts of $10 to $40,000.

“Every donation we received was vital in making this happen.  We want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to Light a Bulb, ensuring the best outcomes for health care in the North Okanagan,” said Lisa Westermark, VJH Foundation Executive Director.

Funds raised will purchase a fleet of new endoscopes for cancer screening in the VJH Ambulatory Care Unit.

“Donations to this campaign have made a real and meaningful impact by helping us purchase critical diagnostic equipment that supports early cancer detection,” said Dr. Curtis Mohamed, 2017 Light a Bulb Chair.

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Light a Bulb began 30 years ago when then-VJH Board member Daphne Thuillier spearheaded a campaign to raise funds for a heart monitoring system for the ICU and Emergency Department at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.  Part of the fundraising campaign included a ‘Light a Bulb’ promotion where a gift of $20 would light a bulb on a tree outside the hospital.

Since then, Light a Bulb has raised more than $4.5 million through community donations to support the purchase of much-needed medical equipment and expansions for Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

Photo:  Left to right: Dr. Curtis Mohamed, Dr. Brian Chai, Dr. Hamish Hwang, Lori Baker RN, Dr. Karl Langer

by Duane Grandbois

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