The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation has reached its $10 million fundraising goal to support the oncology upgrade at the Penticton Regional Hospital.
The final gift of $150,000 came from Lloyd Thomas.
The upgraded oncology unit is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 and will provide patients across the region with enhanced access to cancer care close to home.
âThis milestone belongs to everyone who donated, shared, and supported the cause,â said Ian Lindsay, chief executive officer of the medical foundation.
âWe are deeply grateful to our community and to Lloyd for his gift that closed the gap on the campaign. Because of everyoneâs generosity, patients in the South Okanagan Similkameen will have access to more comfortable, more advanced, and more timely cancer treatment, right here at home.â
The centre will have expanded treatment areas, increased nursing care, updated technology and a patient-centred design.
Throughout the $10 million fundraising campaign, numerous donors have contributed, the medical foundation says.
Supporters include the Summerland Health-Care Auxiliary, Dianne and Essio Truant, Auxiliary to the Penticton Regional Hospital Society, SOS CafĂ© Volunteers, Dick and Brenda McConnachie, John H. Pankiw, Nor-Mar Industries Ltd. â Gerry Turchak and Family, Penticton Regional Hospital Gift Shop - Treasures and Trinkets, Kiwanis Club of Oliver, Peach City Tees Up for Cancer, Singla Bros. Holdings Ltd., Pat and Herb Wycherley, South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Br. #4281.
Others, including families, individuals, service groups and businesses have also contributed to the fundraising.
âThis is what happens when a community comes together,â Lindsay said. âWe build something lasting, not just for todayâs patients, but for generations to come.â While this project is completed, the medical foundation is continuing to raise funds.
Lindsay said fundraising efforts include an EBUS bronchoscopy system for lung diagnostics, specialized neonatal equipment and robotic-assist technology.
The medical foundation and the oncology department serve communities across the South Okanagan and Similkameen region.
