Campaign sets goal at $275,000 for hospital equipment

This year’s Light A Bulb campaign has set a goal of raising $275,000 for urgently needed equipment at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

“On a daily basis our healthcare teams use equipment and tools that have a life span,” Bree Cawley, communications officer with the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, said. “Last year alone, more than 9,300 surgical procedures were performed at VJH. This constant usage means there is an ongoing need to upgrade and replace state-of the-art equipment.”

It is the 32nd annual edition of the fundraiser that is well supported, and normally always reaches its goal.

Last year, it generated $350,000, which was $75,000 more than the goal, and the most in its history.

“Having access to the most up-to date tools helps ensure we can focus on innovative surgical procedures to make patients better, and get our loved ones home faster,” VJH Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Bosma said.

Rubberized Surfacing Installation

Safety enhancements planned for Vernon park, playground closed

35m ago

Emergency Preparedness

Grant funding to ensure Vernon is prepared for emergencies

1h ago

Accommodating Community Growth

Provincial housing targets to be set for Kelowna, West Kelowna

1h ago

Bulbs on the red tree atop the hospital are lit as the campaign raises its total. The tree will be fully lit this Friday for the official launch of the campaign.

“To mark the official launch, Beach Radio will be on site in the breezeway of the hospital’s Jubilee Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on Friday, November 15. Throughout the day there will be special on-air guests speaking about how Light a Bulb impacts them, and letting people know how they can support the campaign,” Cawley said.

Kevin Arbuckle, foundation president and Light A Bulb Chairperson, says the fundraiser is a holiday tradition for many, with donations coming from people who give annually in memory of loved ones or to acknowledge the wonderful care they received at VJH.

“Each $35 tax deductible gift will light one bulb on the tree of lights and $500 will light an entire string,” Arbuckle said.

Donations can be made online at vjhfoundation.org, by calling the Foundation at 250-558-1362, or through the Light a Bulb brochure being delivered to mailboxes around the North Okanagan this week.