An ultrasound cardiac machine, a new ventilator and bronchoscope are much closer to becoming a reality at Ridge Meadows Hospital after thousands of dollars was raised at the annual Fund Run.
About 300 people took part in the 16th annual event Sunday at Fairview elementary in Maple Ridge. The event featured a children’s run, as well as five-kilometre and 10-km races, and raised almost $33,000 for the local hospital foundation.
Steve Kocurek of Maple Ridge won the five-km race in 18:47.
Abigail Fletcher won the 10-Km race in 35:21.
Laura Butler, executive director of the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, said the number of participants this year was the same as last year, when 275 participants helped raise $41,000.
Since 2004, the Fund Run has raised $450,000, said Ron Antalek, chair of the foundation board.
The Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation was incorporated in 1985 and since has raised more than $22 million, going towards new equipment, education and research, as well as capital projects.
This year, the foundation has committed to raising $1,347,4000, including a high-priority equipment list of 29 items totalling $664,400.
Among those: an ultrasound cardiac machine; eight replacement beds for the psychiatry unit; a ventilator for the respiratory unit; a bronchoscope also for the respiratory unit; and a colonoscope for ambulatory care.
In December, the foundation made a $250,000 donation to Foundry Ridge Meadows, part of a provincewide network that offers mental health care, primary health care, substance abuse services, and family counselling in one location for youth between 12 to 24 years old.
cflanagan@mapleridgenews.com
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