PALMERSTON – The Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation (PDHF) was the recipient of a generous bequest from the late Neil Faulkner, a former Moorefield-area farmer.
Earlier this year, family members made the decision to direct the $1.3 million gift to the campaign to bring MRI technology to the Palmerston and District Hospital.
“The Palmerston and District Hospital is an important institution in our community and we are happy to have our uncle’s bequest be used for such a good cause within our community,” stated Minto resident Ron Faulkner.
A press release from the foundation notes that when PDHF development officer Dale Franklin learned the Faulkner family Civic Holiday “Rebellion” gathering in northern Ontario was only 20 minutes from her own family get-together that weekend, it provided the perfect opportunity to snap a photo and thank them for directing the $1.3 million bequest from their Uncle Neil toward the “MRI+ Campaign.”
“We are so pleased to be able to launch our MRI+ Campaign with such a generous donation,” said Franklin.
“Our hospital will be bringing MRI technology to rural Wellington County, thanks to generous donations and this is an amazing gift to build our campaign on.”
In December 2022 the province announced a new MRI machine would be coming to Palmerston and District Hospital.
While the government will provide the operating funds to staff and operate the new MRI, it’s up to the PDH Foundation to raise the $8 million needed for the machine, retrofitting the space, installation and training.
The current wait time for a non-emergency MRI scan is about 133 days.
Foundation president Earl Campbell stated that “having an MRI machine at Palmerston and District Hospital will alleviate pressure on other hospitals with MRIs, as well as reduce travel time for patients in the area”.
‘Off to a great start’
“With this bequest, along with (CKNX Health Care Heroes) Radiothon (proceeds) and gifts given directly to the MRI+ Campaign, our donation total is currently just over $2 million dollars. We’re off to a great start,” stated campaign co-chair Mark Leslie.
Dan Hill, also a campaign co-chair, added that “gifts such as these will ensure a successful campaign.
“Our campaign to raise the $8 million needed to bring this technology to Palmerston will be happening over the next three to five years, and we encourage people to consider a gift to the campaign.”
To donate to the MRI+ Campaign visit pdhfoundation.ca for more information, or contact the foundation office at 519-343-2030, ext. 87701, or email pdhmri@pdhfoundation.ca.
“Any amount donated is valued and appreciated,” foundation officials stated.
“Time and time again, our amazing community has supported our fundraising efforts to provide vital equipment for the Palmerston and District Hospital,” said Franklin.
“We know that with their help we will make this project a reality.”
