Officials with the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation wrapped up a very successful fundraiser this month.

The organization's three-month long Donation Conversation campaign jumped well over its targeted goal of $150,000, raising a total of $176,000. Those funds will be used to support a number of programs and equipment purchases at the Boundary Trails Hospital.

Board chair Ben Friesen says the generous contributions from donors helped lift them well past their fundraising goal, but he also feels the three month campaign helped create greater awareness about the foundation and the programs it

Funds will be used to support a number of programs and equipment purchases at the Boundary Trails Hospital. supports.

"We got the message out to a lot of people as to what the foundation does for the hospital, quite a lot of stuff that not everybody knows about. I think it was an actual donation conversation in which a lot of information was shared."

The initiative was put together to help cover the funds that are normally raised through the foundation's annual golf tournament and banquet; two events that were cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

A minimum of $100,000 from the money raised will be used for a variety of equipment needs at the health centre, while the rest of the cash will be used to deal with other needs that will likely arise, according to Friesen.

The foundation chair acknowledges how the pandemic has created challenges for charitable organizations to raise funds over the past year but is amazed at the giving spirit that exists in the community.

"A lot of my other friends in other charitable organizations say they are all doing very well ... so, it's a super good feeling to be living in this community where we have so many people that care and share. That's what makes this community so great," added Friesen.

Related articles:
Local Hospital Raising Money For Essential Equipment That Didn't Make "The List" 

Donation Conversation Campaign Raising Money To Keep Palliative Care 

Support Spiritual Care With the BTHC Foundation