Hospital foundation celebrates completion of $8-million MRI campaign

PALMERSTON – The Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation has surpassed its $8-million MRI+ Campaign fundraising goal and plans to close the campaign at the end of June.

The foundation announced the milestone in a May 2 press release that noted the campaign was put over the top by a $75,000 donation from Scotiabank.

Campaign co-chair Mark Leslie thanked campaign volunteers, donors and the entire rural Wellington area.

“Without our generous community, this would not be possible,” he stated in the release.

The $8 million includes funds raised to date, plus amounts pledged over the next few years, officials say.

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The MRI+ Campaign, launched in 2023, has received donations from community groups, service clubs, individuals and corporations.

Dan Hill, co-chair of the campaign, stated, “Having organizations like Scotiabank come alongside the foundation to make this goal a reality is incredibly gratifying.”

Stephanie Drost, manager of the Scotiabank branch in Mount Forest, said the bank is "honoured" to participate in the campaign to ensure "vital healthcare services remain accessible close to home in our rural community."

The MRI machine is expected to be in service by the end of this year, with the province funding operational costs.

Hospital foundation chair Earl Campbell said the foundation is “grateful to the province for the support through operating funds for this excellent diagnostic tool, especially in our under-serviced rural area.”

The campaign will officially close on June 30.

For more information, contact foundation development officer Dale Franklin at dfranklin@pdhfoundation.ca.