The Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation welcomes members of several local Lions Clubs and the Lions Clubs International Foundation to the newly completed Dialysis Unit.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation supported the efforts of the 16 local clubs by matching their donations to the "On the Horizon" Dialysis Campaign. The Lions and Lioness Clubs worked tirelessly during the campaign, raising a total of $31,386.96. By matching these funds, the LCIF brought the Lions' total contribution to $64,601.75.

Today, Erin Crouch, Program Coordinator for the LCIF, visited the new Dialysis Unit, to see what the Lions' hard work helped to build, and to be personally thanked by the Ross family. "We're so thankful to the local Lions, Lioness and the LCIF for their gift to the Hospital," said Erin Coons, Executive Director of the RMH Foundation. "This has been an incredible opportunity for the Lions Clubs to double their donation ... what an incentive!"

Ms. Crouch was joined by members of the local Lions Clubs and representatives from the Hospital for a photo outside the Unit, followed by a tour of the facility. "It's a pleasure to show the Lions through the new Dialysis Unit," said Brian Payne, President & CEO of the Ross Memorial Hospital. "We were able to begin treating patients in the new unit ahead of schedule, and we're already ramping up services. Currently, 41 patients are getting their treatments at the Ross, and that will increase to 54 this fall. I hope the Lions are as proud of this accomplishment as we are."

RMH Governor, Jim Johnstone, who is a member of the Oakwood Lions Club, played an important role in this endeavour. Jim spent a year and a half mobilizing the clubs that are within the Hospital's catchment area, promoting this project, encouraging participation, and writing the grant proposal to the LCIF. This is the first time that an LCIF Standard Grant has been awarded to Lions'District A16.