SAHF CT Scanner       Supplied by Sault Area Hospital Foundation…
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – $1.9 million dollars is a hefty price tag, but the way the Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association (SAHVA) sees it, if everyone does their part, whether it’s $20 or $200,000, any goal will be met. It’s how we do things in our Northern Ontario community; together. This is why they decided to pledge $200,000 over the next three years towards the purchase of this piece of equipment; to do their part. This has kicked off today as the SAHVA presented their first year contribution of $70,000 to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF). The partnership between the SAHVA and SAHF has been ongoing for decades, with the SAHVA contributing over $1.2 million dollars, at the completion of this pledge, towards the purchase of essential medical equipment at Sault Area Hospital (SAH).
“There are certain things the volunteers at SAH do because they love to do it. This commitment is something our Association did because we have to. We need access to this care here in Sault Ste. Marie, for the patients.” Jim Aquino, SAHVA Executive Chair, speaks about the $200,000 pledge made to help purchase the new CT Scanner. “The CT scanner is an essential piece of diagnostic equipment which not only serves local residents, but outlying residents living north of Sault Ste. Marie and as far east as Elliot Lake. We need this equipment to be as close to your home as possible.”
The SAHVA has been focusing on increasing their fundraising efforts to assist in the growing needs of our local Hospital. A business study has been conducted to help increase the revenue at the Gift Shop, in the main lobby of SAH. Proceeds from the Gift Shop are included as part of the SAHVA’s annual donation. Upcoming events like the SAHVA vendor days, Catherine’s Cuts for the CT, Dine Out SSM, the Quilt raffle, a Walk/Run and an Autoshow both planned for later this year, are helping to increase the funds raised on top of the HELPP lottery ticket sales, which are donated to the SAHF annually. Find out more about events like these by following SAHF on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SaultAreaHospitalFoundation
“The Volunteer Association and all the volunteers at our Hospital, are incredibly generous with their time. They instill generosity, compassion and caring to all the people of our community. They are a group that lead by example and make not only our Hospital, but our community a better place” Gabe Stefanizzi, Chair, SAHF Board of Directors.
There are over 500 active volunteers at SAH. They collectively donate over 65,000 hours a year in supportive roles throughout our Hospital. This includes operating the gift shop, wayfinding and acting as a contact between medical services and the public by running the information desk and providing support throughout the various departments.
The CT Scanner currently being fundraised for by SAHF is to replace the one that was moved from the Queen St. E. site up to Great Northern Rd. The current scanners were purchased in 2005 and 2010. They are used 24 hours a day with over 20,000 CT scans annually. The scanner purchased in 2005 is at the end of its lifespan and by replacing it SAH will be able to ensure the Diagnostic Imaging Department has the best medical equipment to diagnose our local patients, reducing wait times and eliminating potential travel for this crucial test.
On behalf of our community, the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank each and every volunteer for leading our community with generosity and kindness. Thank you!