This year’s CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has raised $666,443 for 16 hospitals in midwestern Ontario, including two serving residents in northern Wellington County.
The impressive total from the Oct. 15 event means close to $7 million has been raised over the last decade through the radiothons.
The idea of putting a Radiothon together was first introduced in 2002. Led by a small number of volunteers, the Million Dollar Health Care Heroes Radiothon was created to support several local hospital foundations, spearheaded by the The Mount Forest Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation.
Over the years the dollar figure grew and the event evolved into the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon.
This year 16 hospital foundations and CKNX again helped organize and run the eight-hour fundraising event.
Radiothon chairman Heather Glenister, of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, was pleased with the results.
“It’s a big congratulations to our communities. We wouldn’t be here without them [donors],” Glenister said.
“This year we have a chance to raise $7 million for health care in our local community. Just looking around the room today seeing everybody and seeing the familiar faces that have been here for 10 years volunteering is very, very special.”
Glenister added the Radiothon has become a popular event with residents.
“People are looking for the Radiothon now,” she said. “It’s on their list of yearly donations. They’re looking forward to hearing the stories. They’re looking forward to hearing the reflections.”
Donations are being accepted until the end of November. For the Louise Marshall foundation in Mount Forest call 519-323-3333 extension 2750 and at Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation at 519-343-2030 extension 4402.
