Light a Bulb Campaign Exceeds Goal

The hospital tree is fully lit! Due to the generous spirit of the North Okanagan community, Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation’s 30th Annual Light a Bulb Campaign has raised $275,888 exceeding its $250,000 goal.Businesses, individuals and organizations contributed to the Campaign in amounts of $10 to $40,000.“Every donation we received was vital in making this happen. We want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to Light a Bulb, ensuring the best outcomes for health care in the North Okanagan,” said Lisa Westermark, VJH Foundation Executive Director.Funds raised will purchase a fleet of new endoscopes for cancer screening in the VJH Ambulatory Care Unit.“Donations to this campaign have made a real and meaningful impact by helping us purchase critical diagnostic equipment that supports early cancer detection,” said Dr. Curtis Mohamed, 2017 Light a Bulb Chair.Light a Bulb began 30 years ago when then-VJH Board member Daphne Thuillier spearheaded a campaign to raise funds for a heart monitoring system for the ICU and Emergency Department at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Part of the fundraising campaign included a ‘Light a Bulb’ promotion where a gift of $20 would light a bulb on a tree outside the hospital.Since then, Light a Bulb has raised more than $4.5 million through community donations to support the purchase of much-needed medical equipment and expansions for Vernon Jubilee Hospital.