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Pledge Day another big success for KBRH

$119,000 was raised on Pledge Day last Friday in support KBRH and Greater Trail health care services.

The gift of giving in the Greater Trail community was abundant early into the holiday season when $119,000 was raised on Pledge Day last Friday.

The one-day event was held at the Waneta Plaza to raise funds and give a nod to pledges for the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation as well as various hospital projects.

All money stays local regardless of which department or cause it is earmarked for, and funds are spread across those respective areas.

“Some of the money received that day is fulfilling a pledge,” explained Lisa Pasin, the foundation's director. “And some of it is new dollars. But it's important to stress that money received remains at KBRH, Poplar Ridge and Columbia View Lodge.”

Although final tallies haven't been confirmed, donations were received during the charitable event that will be directed toward the health foundation's current Critical Care Campaign.

That cause is very near its goal, which is to raise $500,000 to expand and upgrade equipment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Room and for the High Acuity Response Team.

There's one patient with ongoing health issues who has been in and out of the Trail hospital for three years. He knows first hand how modern technology can ease the pain and anxiety of certain specialized and high tech procedures.

Sean Rochford is a 44 -year old husband and father who for many years ran his own Trail-based stucco business.

That all changed when his appendix ruptured in 2011. The burst organ didn't cause Rochford the immediate and extreme pain that most patients report, in fact he walked around with the condition for another six months.

“I had no idea because I had no pain,” said Rochford from his ICU bed last month.

“What happened is that I became septic and came in here at my sickest. Without the really good care and the newer equipment in here, I wouldn't be here right now.”

Since the campaign launched in August 2013, the foundation has been able to order new upgraded equipment as the donated dollars added up to $425,000 last month.

Improved mattresses for critically ill patients, specially designed ICU beds, a new ER trauma stretcher and an intravenous warming pod are on the campaign's list that is meant to improve overall patient care.

"This campaign has been very positive for KBRH and the entire Kootenay Boundary as we have been able to purchase equipment throughout the campaign,” said Pasin.

"Thus, providing immediate benefits for patients and health care workers receiving and administering care in the critical care departments."

There's about $160,000 of new equipment on site and another $145,000 on order, noted Pasin, adding that if donations exceed $500,000, all additional funds will remain in critical care to further purchase additional life saving equipment.

For more information and to donate, call the KBRH foundation at 364.3424 or email info@kbrhhealthfoundation. ca.

Formerly called the Trail Regional Hospital Foundation, the KBRH foundation is in its 26th year of raising money to advance health care in the Kootenay Boundary.

Foundation revenue, over $12 million to date, is generated through private and corporate donors.

Funding priorities include raising endowed gifts and annual funds to support health care equipment needs, staff education, and special initiatives to enhance health care through the Trail hospital and other Kootenay Boundary facilities.



Sheri Regnier

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