In a remarkable year of giving, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is on track to bring an MRI machine to Estevan's hospital, thanks to nearly $4.5 million raised for the initiative. With strong community backing, including heartfelt donations inspired by local heroes like JC Ross, the foundation is pushing forward with its mission to enhance healthcare services for the region.
The foundation's MRI project, explained Lori Gervais, began in April and aims to bring MRI services to the hospital, with Elaine Walkom’s initial contribution starting things off.
“So that has taken up most of our fundraising time from this past year. We’ve spent a lot of time working on that, and feeling pretty good about the community support as well.”
She noted the fundraising is just shy of $4.5 million, adding that they are proud of the foundation but also proud of the community.
“The community and the surrounding area have really stepped up. JC Ross, in particular, his family decided to do something special to recognize his high school graduation and it’s been a widespread feel-good for everybody.”
People of all ages have embraced the fundraising spirit, Gervais said. “Watching the kids come out and donate their own 4-H money has been something to see because of JC and what they’ve started.”A total of $80,000 was donated through these types of contributions, with $53,000 of it coming from Ross’s steer at auction.
“The different 4-H groups and individual kids and online donations we’ve gotten in JC’s name has been incredible and a huge support to our project that we’ve been working on all year.”
Currently, the SJHF is focusing on its Festival of Trees Tea Parties, a festive way to celebrate the holiday season. “The tea parties that we are doing right now are always something that we look forward to. Getting out into the nursing homes and all the special care homes around town, bringing some Christmas cheer, Christmas tea, dainties and gifts from community members is something that we’ve been looking forward to all year.”
Looking to the new year, SJHF is committed to continuing its fundraising efforts for Estevan’s MRI project. “We are hoping to have this MRI up and running by the end of 2025, early 2026, and so we will continue our quest to raise the money.”
“The donations are coming in every day. I’ve got somebody stopping by with a very important donation, whether it’s a $25 or $25,000. People have a healthcare journey story to share and they feel it’s very important to donate to this cause.”
“I just got a donation last week from someone in Regina. That is not from here, doesn’t know anybody here. Just heard about the story and understands the importance of rural healthcare and donated $10,000.”
She noted that acts of generosity have become commonplace, as everyone has a healthcare journey, or knows someone who does marking a personal connection. "Everybody understands how important healthcare is. It’s just a matter of everybody doing what it is that they’re able to do.”
She said that while the MRI is a top priority, keeping up with needs and wants within the hospital is also important.
“That doesn’t take away from our needs and wants for the hospital itself. The management here at the hospital is continually coming to the foundation with whatever is necessary for the hospital, all the equipment, all the aids.”
Gervais explains that ongoing upgrades, particularly in technology, are essential for the hospital, including software updates and new equipment. Regular donors continue to support these needs, as well as doctor recruitment. However, the challenge lies in balancing the hospital's regular needs with the additional request for funds to cover the cost of the MRI.
As the foundation works toward its goal of bringing an MRI to Estevan, community support has been the driving force behind its success. With ongoing donations and a shared commitment to improving local healthcare, the foundation remains focused on meeting both immediate and long-term needs of the hospital.