Light a Bulb Hits $213,550

The hospital tree will be shining brighter as $46,000 in donations to Light a Bulb were received by Vernon Jubilee Hospital over the past week.“It was a little concerning to be considerably short of our goal at this time last week,” says Co-Chair Dr. Chris Cunningham.  “We are thankful for the many individuals, businesses and organizations that came forward offering their support.”With less than a week to Christmas, Light a Bulb is still $36,449 short of its $250,000 goal.  All funds raised from Light a Bulb will support the completion of the 6^th and 7^th floors of Polson Tower.“It has been heartwarming to hear from donors who are making gifts in memory of their loved ones, in thanks of the good care they have received at the hospital and from those who are grateful that the hospital is here to help all members of the North Okanagan community,” says Cunningham.Some of the modern care design features in the tower will include private and semi-private rooms to improve infection control, patient lifts for every bed decreasing falls and staff injuries, and two airborne isolation rooms reducing airborne transmitted infections.“Next year at this time, the project is scheduled to be completed,” says Cunningham.  “We have an urgent need today that will result in improved health care in the future and for years to come.”Community spirit doesn’t just happen in December.  Service clubs who have donated to the campaign work hard year-round to give back to the community, with much of the funds donated this month being raised throughout the year.A $1,000 donation from the Japanese Women’s Auxiliary came from their annual October Autumn Bazaar proceeds, through sales of chow mein, plants, produce, crafts and baked goods.The Vernon Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #5 donated $1,500 to Light a Bulb, raising funds from meat draws throughout the year.  President Alan Pothecary says his club is able to donate up to $30,000 annually to local causes from their proceeds, attributing their success to community support.“That’s what makes a difference.  There is great atmosphere here, attracting many residents to take part in the activities and functions we have to offer.”With $213,550 raised to date, Light a Bulb is at 85% of its goal to support the Building a Tower of Care Campaign to raise much-needed funds to furnish and equip the 6^th and 7^th floors of Polson Tower at VJH.Campaign donations to Light A Bulb also include Inland Kenworth, Kiwanis Club of Vernon-Four Seasons and Grizzly Curb & Concrete.There is still time to help the VJH Foundation light the tree atop the hospital and let the spirit of generosity shine this holiday season. To make a donation online, please click here or mail your cheque attention VJH Foundation, 2101-32^nd Street, Vernon BC V1T 5L2.