6th Annual Cape Breton Cares Radiothon Raises More than $607,000 for Regional Hospital

Thursday, September 26, 2013. Sydney, NS. – The 6^th Annual Cape Breton Cares Radiothon, hosted by The Cape 94.9, CJCB 1270 and Max 98.3, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation has raised $607,823.00 which is  $36,000 over the previous year. The funds raised today will be used to purchase equipment and fund upgrades and programs at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, thanks to the generosity and support of the community.

“What I can tell from past Radiothons, and from my experience at this year’s Radiothon, there are truly remarkable and inspirational stories of caring and generosity that are born. There is no better place to live, than here in Cape Breton” says Alan Peddle, Sales Manager at The Cape 94.9, 1270 CJCB and Max 98.3.  “From thousand dollar donations, to family golf tournaments to children bringing in their saved up Disney Vacation money, there are so many stories that need to be shared.”

Monthly Giving Power Hours took place at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm when a call to action was put out for 56 monthly donors at $15 each.  At 8:00am, Subway made a commitment to match every dollar donated, up to $10,000. At 4:00 pm, Jim Sampson Motors made a commitment to match all donations, up to $10,000. Both Power Hour goals were met thanks to the generosity of our community and all funds raised  during Power Hours will go to the Pediatrics Unit Renovations and the Peds TLC Fund.

Last year, the Foundation committed to renovating all patients rooms in the Pediatrics Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Today, three donors committed $10,000 each to renovate the remaining rooms. These donors were the Kiwanis Golden K, Mayflower Dental Group, and Genesis Communications. Also, Maritime Environmental Training Institute committed to the creation of a new family room at $15,000 to create a quiet family space during stays in the Pediatrics Unit at the Regional.

“It is the generous support from our donors in the community who make the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon such a success, year after year,” commented Brad Jacobs, CEO Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.  “There were so many gifts made at Radiothon today. It just shows how much Cape Bretoners, and beyond, care about each other and care about having access to the highest quality of care.

Another exciting and extremely generous moment came when Father Albert Maroun announced he is donating $50,000 in support of emergency care in the Cape Breton District Health Authority.

Gord MacDonald and Mary Prince also donated more than $85,000 as they made their last gift from the Ride for the Cure.

“After hosting this event for ten years, Ride for the Cure has raised more than $637.220,00 and we cannot thank them enough for their dedication and commitment to healthcare in Cape Breton,” said Jacobs. “We are going to miss this event but at the same time, we thank them endlessly for their support.”

Each year, thousands of patients and their families rely on the care offered at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Whether welcoming a new baby into the world, caring for a sick child or supporting a friend through cancer treatment, the Regional is here for all Cape Bretoners.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, I simply cannot thank the Cape Breton community, volunteers, donors, and sponsors, enough for their support, not only during Radiothon, but throughout the entire year,” says Dwight Rudderham, Chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Board. “No matter how big or small your gift is, your donations will make a difference to Cape Bretoners who rely on the Regional Hospital for care.”

You can still make a donation to the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon by calling 567-7752. Please remember that you can honor your gift at any Cape Breton Credit Union location.

Since 2008, the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon has raised more than $2.6 million to purchase equipment, and fund upgrades at the Regional Hospital. Thanks to the generosity of the community, The Foundation can purchase medical equipment that will dramatically reduced wait times and provide an increased menu of services – closer to home.