Record breaking KGH Day of Giving

The fifth annual Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Day of Giving was a record-breaker.

As of midnight April 22, a total of $1,052,648 had been raised in support of the foundation’s Every Moment Matters campaign to radically advance stroke care for patients in the southern interior of B.C. The total represents the most ever raised in the single day event.

Heading into KGH Day of Giving, five generous local families had agreed to match all gifts up to $500,000. But as the end of the day drew near, and it became clear that threshold was in sight, another family stepped up. Darrell Porubanec, KGH Foundation Board Vice-Chair, and his wife, Margaret, came through and matched all additional gifts received over the original match. In 2019, the Porubanec’s provided a lead match gift for Day of Giving in support of the foundation’s cardiac campaign.

“It was an incredible day,” Doug Rankmore, CEO of the KGH Foundation, said. “We weren’t sure, given all that has been going on over the last year, but we hoped the community would answer the call. Our hospital and medical teams need this funding now. This is one of the big projects that saves lives and moves healthcare forward in the interior. It’s clear our community’s deep commitment to supporting excellence in local health care remains unwavering.”

6 p.m. celebration –KGH Foundation staff celebrate a record- breaking Day of Giving. Over $1 million raised in support of advancing stroke care at Kelowna General Hospital. (Submitted photo)

“We had to make some changes this year to accommodate the current health crisis,” Bettina Muller, KGH Foundation Events Manager, said. “For the first time, we had a drive-through donation station. It was a huge success! People were so happy just to be able to come out and give in person. It was really heart-warming.”

Once again, the Sprott-Shaw Change Bandits were out on Pandosy in full force, collecting cash and change, waving and cheering to constant toots of horns as drivers did their part to contribute to the excitement. Community ambassador’s such as Michael J. Ballingal from Big White Ski Resort and Mayor Colin Basran stopped by. Several professionals from a range of different business sectors including realtors, lawyers and wealth managers also dropped in to donate and issue challenges to others in their industry.

“We are very proud and grateful to be part of such an amazing community,” Shauna George, Portfolio Manager with Newport Private Wealth and KGH Foundation Board Director, said. “And we are so proud of our hospital. It feels good to give in support of KGH because it’s really a gift to our entire community and the families that call this region home.”

Perhaps as a sign of the times, more donations than ever also came in online.

“The community of Kelowna has spoken loud and clear,” said Rankmore. “World-class health care must start close to home. Right here at Kelowna General Hospital.”