Today, the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation is inviting the public to help the Hospital raise $2.2 million to build a permanent Dialysis Unit. The construction project was launched this morning with a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Hospital.

The Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Ivan Reynolds, explained the theme of the fundraising campaign, “On the Horizon”. 

 “In the early days of this campaign, we heard from so many patients and their families that this vital service seemed to be so close to happening, but yet so very far away. They knew it was on the horizon, but they wanted to make it happen today. Today is that day.” 

Reynolds was pleased to announce the lead donor of the public campaign. The Ross Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has pledged $500,000 over three years to the “On the Horizon” campaign. “The Ross Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is proud to work along-side our doctors and staff and Foundation partners to help our patients every way we can,” said Auxiliary President Jim Young. “And because we live in the City of Kawartha Lakes, we recognize the importance of dialysis in the community.”

The Foundation also recognized the outstanding contribution of Bob and Shirley Bellamy, who are donating $250,000 to the “On the Horizon” campaign. Their leadership gift provided momentum for the campaign in the early stages and has inspired others with their generosity.  

The $6.5 million Dialysis Unit will be a state-of-the-art facility with 15 stations. The provincial government will pay 90% of the construction costs. The Foundation’s “On the Horizon” campaign will help to complete and equip the unit. 

People in the City of Kawartha Lakes have been contributing to the Dialysis project since May. The Foundation’s annual Spring Appeal asked for public donations to raise $100,000 for the specialized equipment needed for Dialysis patients. The Foundation was pleased to have the support of a local family, to explain the need for this service.

David and Aileen Murray acted as a spokes-family  for the Foundation, explaining the experience of their son, Andrew, who has been travelling to Peterborough for his dialysis treatments for years, three times a week, 52 weeks a year.

“Thanks to their help, and the overwhelming contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations, we not only met our target, we surpassed it,” Reynolds said. “A total of  $114,000 has been raised to provide for various equipment needs throughout the unit.”

The Hospital hopes to accept its first patients to the new Dialysis Unit in the fall of 2008.