The holidays may be over, but the generosity of the “I Believe in Santa and Santa believes in Groves” campaign here will benefit the Groves Hospital Foundation for years to come.
On Jan. 11, Fred Morris, executive director of Vision Theatre Productions, together with Jackie Fraser of the Fergus BIA, presented Groves Hospital Foundation chair Jayne MacKenzie and foundation executive director Sherri Sutherland with a cheque for $7,500.
“It was surprisingly, overwhelmingly successful that it caught on,” said Morris.
“There was a lot of enthusiasm from the members of the community and the merchants. It had a buzz to it.”
The campaign was a partnership between the Foundation, Vision Theatre Productions’ performance of Miracle on 34th Street and the Fergus BIA.
Since November, local merchants and residents have been collecting money through the sale of “I Believe in Santa” pins and donation tins.
Nearly 40 merchants participated in the program that included selling “I Believe in Santa” pins for a $2 donation to Groves.
“People went above and beyond the minimum donation,” said Jackie Fraser, Fergus BIA chair and co-owner of Frabert’s Fresh Foods. “Many people were donating five, 10 and 20 dollar bills. It has been a true demonstration of community spirit here in Fergus.”
Morris added several stores donated a dollar of their sales or a dollar off a particular item, raising additional funds. Stores beyond the Fergus BIA boundaries also took part in the campaign.
“The Fergus BIA was thrilled to be a part of it. People really got wound up in the campaign,” Fraser said.
The “I Believe” meter set up beside the Fergus post office, kept the community informed of the amount raised.
“It was a great campaign with great community involvement,” said MacKenzie. “It was a great idea to have the Santa meter as a visual of the success of the campaign.”
She added, “The money is going to the equipment campaign at the hospital, which is always needed.”
Sutherland explained the equipment fund has been given a goal to raise $572,000 by March 31.
“We are 67 per cent of the way there, from this campaign,” Sutherland said, noting the equipment required includes a new ultra sound machine and a Sterrad machine for the new cancer care program, as well as a Giraffe baby incubator.
“It was a great campaign,” said Sutherland. “We really appreciated it.
“It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and keep the spirit of giving to Groves in mind.”
Morris thanked Sarah McGoldrick of Vision Theatre Productions for being the originator of the concept behind the “I Believe in Santa” momentum.
Morris also credited the cast and crew of the play, some of whom were on hand for the cheque presentation.
“A lot of work went into the production,” said Morris. “We had 936 tickets available for the four shows. We sold 826 tickets. We had great support from the public for the play.”
Sutherland credited local media for their support of the campaign also, and for helping to generate interest.
“The production of Miracle on 34th Street was terrific,” said Sutherland. “Many thanks to everyone at Vision Theatre for all their hard work and creativity.
“Thank you as well goes to the Fergus BIA, the merchants and customers who joined in to make this campaign a success. When our community comes together like this it inspires us all to believe.”
