Light a Moose raises record-breaking $197,000 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The 20th Annual Chances Casino Light a Moose radiothon raised a record-breaking $197,000.

From November 15th to 17th at the Chance Casino Parking Lot, the fundraising event saw nearly 200 donors, and NorthRiver Midstream, Mustang Rentals, and PETRONAS Canada matched donations, each contributing an additional $20,000.

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal of $175,000 to purchase a Phillips Epiq Elite Ultrasound machine for the hospital’s imaging department.

According to the organization, the department is experiencing a growing need for another ultrasound machine.

The department has a significant backlog of ultrasound exams, mostly coming from those categorized as less urgent. Ideally, these would be completed within 60 days, but 90 per cent of these exams take about nine months, and some patients wait as long as 14 months.

As of August 2022, 2,748 patients were waiting for their scans and 1,616 in 2020.

The hospital says the new machine will allow the department to accommodate an additional 1,820 to 2,600 patients annually.

“Our community stepped up once again to help us reach our goal because so many people saw the need for this piece of equipment,” said Kelly Amboe, executive director of the FSJ Hospital Foundation.

“We are greatly appreciative to the community for being part of this, as this benefits the whole community.”

Last year’s radiothon raised $153,763.50 and passed the $1 million milestone. The proceeds went towards a Spectra Stainer and coverslipper, as well as the foundation’s Greatest Needs Fund.

The Light a Moose radiothon has now raised over $1.2 million for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.