For over 25 years, donors have come together from every corner of our community to improve local health care through Richmond Hospital Foundation. These individuals, families, businesses and organizations have truly had an impact on the quality of health services provided in our city. Cumulatively raising over $40-million, these gifts have purchased vital medical equipment, renovated and expanded facilities, and improved patient care programs and services at Richmond Hospital.

While this outpouring of kindness has been tremendous, when you combine an ever growing list of needs at Richmond Hospital and a rapidly growing community and expanding seniors population, there’s no doubt more people will need to join our cause.

That’s why our Foundation’s accomplishments are in no way a lone effort—we rely on the generosity of our community to provide our health care teams with modern facilities and tools to support their amazing work. In fact, over 70 percent of new equipment purchased at Richmond Hospital is funded by community donations through our Foundation.

Working with hospital leadership, on behalf of our donors Richmond Hospital Foundation has recently invested in equipment such as a new dialysis unit, two special sport beds for our Intensive Care Unit, a second ultrasound machine for our Emergency Department, Minimally Invasive Surgical equipment for our surgeons, and three portable cardiac monitors that will make transport of patients within the hospital easier and more effective.

Our donors have also contributed to campaigns such as a major expansion of our Emergency Department completed in 2011 and the renovation of our Birth Centre to become a facility with 15-private-rooms.

We are also fortunate to have community organizations that show incredible leadership by organizing and hosting independent community events that benefit our cause. Anyone can participate. All it takes is a desire to better health care in our community. From asking for donations instead of giving gifts at your birthday or shower, to encouraging your organization to participate in fundraising initiatives, every bit brings us closer to addressing our increasing needs.

Recent examples of these events include Shoppers Drug Mart’s Tree of Life Campaign, White Spot at Richmond Centre donating net proceeds from their Christmas luncheon, and the Vancouver Metropolitan Lions hosting a dinner to benefit our Foundation.

We look forward to telling you more about our donors and community partners through the Richmond News in the coming months.

Q: How much of the new equipment purchased for Richmond Hospital is funded by Richmond Hospital Foundation?

A: Over 70 percent of new equipment is funded by Richmond Hospital Foundation.

Take action to make a donation or to start a community event. Please call us at 604-244-5252 or visit us online at www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com.