The Wingham Hospital's "Our Hospital, Our Future" campaign held an event last night to celebrate reaching their $4-million fundraising goal.
The total came in at $4.5-million, and the amount was raised six months ahead of the deadline.
Campaign chair Mark Foxton spoke about the feelings he had on such a special night for the Wingham Hospital.
"I'm incredibly proud of my community, we have a goal of $4-million, and we come in with $4.5-million. And there's still asks out there, still potential for more to come in," says Foxton. "Small town Ontario to a tee has come and supported something really important for our community."
Foxton also mentioned his "group of seven," the seven members of the fundraising committee who worked tirelessly and volunteered their time to raise funds for the Wingham Hospital renovations.
The members included Andy McBride, Scott Miller, Ian Montgomery, Bernie Bailey, Steve Tiffin, Jenny Hogervorst and Bart Cameron. Foxton says campaign coordinator Nicole Jutzi deserves a huge amount of credit, as well.
The renovations are already underway at the hospital, as crews are installing the concrete for the new elevator, and will start working on the Healthcare Campus at the old public school.
Foxton says this money does a huge amount for the hospital and community.
"It will help with the three-pillared renovation project we have with the campaign," he says. "From a financial standpoint, it's less money to borrow. It's a $15-million project, and we were responsible for $4-million. With the extra money, we won't have to pay as much interest."
Mark Foxton, campaign chair of the "Our Hospital, Our Future" campaign, speaks to the audience at the campaign's celebration at the Wingham Sportsman's Association, July 21st, 2016. (Photo by Ryan Drury)