CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon raises over $501,000

MOUNT FOREST – On Oct. 17, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon took to the airwaves with a mission to inspire support for local hospitals in mid-western Ontario.

At the end of the seven-hour broadcast, $501,039 was raised towards vital health care projects for hospitals in participating communities, including Mount Forest, Palmerston, Chesley,  Wingham, Walkerton, Listowel, Clinton, Hanover and Seaforth.

Each year since 2002, CKNX has dedicated a day to helping local hospitals share their message on-air and inspire giving within their communities. 

The broadcast ran on AM920 from 9am to 4pm with patient stories, a sneak peek into each foundation’s fundraising goals and challenges to make a donation and become a “Health Care Hero.”

Prior to going on air, each foundation selected a goal for which they were raising funds. These included projects and equipment such as Zoll defibrillators, BiPap ventilators, laboratory, infrastructure and ER upgrades and a medical vacuum pump. 

Since government funding does not cover the cost of capital equipment in hospitals, these projects depend on community donations. 

In addition to the broadcast, many of the participating hospital foundations also held in-person events to support their cause, including community breakfasts, barbecues and trivia nights. 

Supporters including Bruce Power, Germania Mutual Insurance, Howick Optimist Club, Conway Furniture and the Brussels Legion donated to multiple foundations through the campaign. 

Over the past 25 years, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has raised a more than $16 million. 

For many of the participating hospitals, Radiothon is one of their major fundraising campaigns each year, helping them to fund essential capital projects and equipment.

Those who would like to support, can text the word “HERO” followed by the name of the town you are supporting to 41010 until the end of October.

Alternately, those interested can visit cknx.ca/health-care-heroes-radiothon for more information.

The 26th Annual CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon will take place on Oct. 16, 2027.