It’s Our Time –
to head for the finish line

For the past two-and-a-half years, It’s Our Time Campaign leaders, volunteers, donors and staff have been working hard to raise the $40-million community portion needed to support new and up graded facilities and purchase new medical equipment to maintain and increase the standard of care for our patients.

Campaign fundraising volunteers and donors were thrilled to share in the excitement of the greatly anticipated groundbreaking for the healthcare complex and Walker Family Cancer Centre on April 28. They were proud to have played a part in supporting the Niagara Health System in its efforts to rejuvenate healthcare delivery with the development of this facility and new regional services to benefit every person living in the Niagara region.

Those responsible for raising the $40-million campaign goal are equally excited about the other healthcare initiatives supported by the It’s Our Time Campaign, including:

• the new 12,500 sq. ft., 24-station Welland Hospital Auxiliary Dialysis Centre that opened in June 2008, providing closer-to-home care for chronic kidney disease patients in south Niagara;
• a new dialysis centre, upgraded operating rooms and diagnostic equipment at the Greater Niagara General Site;
• a new 128-slice CT Scanner for the Welland Site;
• equipment for the Urgent Care Centre and renovations to develop the Complex Continuing Care Centre at the Douglas Memorial Site;
• renovations and equipment for the Urgent Care Centre and upgrades and new diagnostic imaging equipment for the Complex Continuing Care Centre at the Port Colborne Site.

“Since the November 2006 launch, organizers and volunteers of the It’s Our Time Campaign have worked fervently to bring major community leaders on board and garner the support of major donors,” says Sandra Sabo, Campaign Director for North Niagara and Chief Operating Officer of the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation. “Their efforts have resulted in raising $26 million of the $40-million campaign goal — a remarkable feat in this difficult economic climate. But, as with so many things, the home stretch will be the most challenging.”

Hundreds of community-minded corporations, organizations and leading donors have lent their support to this cause and now it’s time to reach out to the community at large. “Clearly, ALL Niagarans need to get involved to reach the $40-million goal,” says Sandra.

To accomplish this, the It’s Our Time Campaign is revitalizing its appeal with a high-profile public awareness initiative. While the Campaign heroes – those patients who told their personal stories of healthcare challenges – helped to communicate the urgent need for new and upgraded facilities, the new marketing materials focus on the motivation and message of the Campaign’s leading donors and volunteers.

A new redeveloped and interactive website features a series of one-minute donor films in which these Campaign ambassadors share their thoughts and encourage every member of the community to help. Welland Hospital Auxiliary spokeswomen Francine Lehoux and Joan Scott represent one of the eight donor organizations featured in this compelling film series. All staff members are encouraged to take the time to listen to their inspiring messages and show of support for the important work done by all NHS physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals and staff.

The It’s Our Time Campaign has enjoyed the valuable support of local media who were quick to recognize the importance of this undertaking for the community. Print space in local daily newspapers has been generously supplied by Sun Media, and TVCOGECO Niagara has contributed airtime for the films to spread the Campaign message.

Help us make history

In addition to the new website and donor film series, a short film called The Finish Line is in the planning and development stages for release early this fall with the purpose of further motivating viewers to participate in the Campaign.

“We invite members of the NHS family – our physicians, nurses, allied healthcare providers, staff and volunteers to participate in this exciting film project,” says Wendy Dueck, Development Liaison Officer for the NHS Foundation and Campaign. If you would like to be part of NHS history by participating in the final finish line scene, please contact the Campaign staff at itsourtimecampaign@niagarahealth.on.ca or 905-378-4647 Ext 32247.

Catch the baton!

“It is often said that people are at the heart of our healthcare system — we are not only employees, we are users and ambassadors of the NHS,” says Michael Somerville, Campaign Director for Niagara Falls and Executive Director of the GNGH Foundation. “The Niagara Health System Board of Trustees and senior management team have demonstrated their resolute commitment and leadership to the It’s Our Time Campaign by each committing to make a personal financial pledge. Here is your opportunity to be part of making history for healthcare in Niagara … Why not make your gift today in support of the It’s Our Time Campaign?” asks Michael.

To learn more about the It’s Our Time Campaign, view the donor film series, and find out how you can donate, please visit the new campaign website at: www.ItsOurTimeCampaign.ca