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By Liam Verster

$1-million Raised For Ultrasound Expansion

Light a Bulb campaign raises over $1M for Ultrasound expansion

Jan 22, 2025 | 10:44 AM

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraiser was a big success.

The Light a Bulb campaign raised over $1-million from community donations towards a new and expanded Ultrasound department at the hospital (VJH).

“To say we were blown away by this outpouring of generosity is truly an understatement,” Kate McBrearty, VJH Foundation Executive Director, said.

“This is historic. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough – but I’ll say it anyway – thank you. We are humbled, inspired and awed by what we witnessed this holiday season.”

The Foundation noted GivingTuesday was a major factor in the fundraiser, as a record breaking $559,775 was donated during that day. The first $250,000 was matched by a gift from Kurt and Jutta Knuever, who also made a seed donation of $1-million toward the Ultrasound Expansion project, and another $30,000 matching donation was provided by an anonymous donor.

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“My parents believe in giving locally and they understand what a vital role timely access to medical imaging plays in diagnosis and treatment,” Ulrike Gibbs, the Knuever’s daughter, said.

“At some point we’re all going to need the hospital, so it makes sense. Plus, they’ve seen how matching gifts can inspire our community to get behind a cause. And it worked! Our whole family was delighted.”

The Foundation staff asked people why they were donating during the fundraiser, with donors stating they wanted to honour a memory of a loved one, supported the care they and their family members received at the hospital, or connected with stories shared from people who received care at VJH.

The Light a Bulb campaign was going to support the expansion medical imaging services by establishing two new fully equiped ultrasound units, as well as additional offices, a waiting room, and washroom, to improve patient turnaround times and staff efficiencies.