Tovertafel fundraising campaign raises nearly $32K for Dawson Creek Hospital Auxiliary

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Staff members with the Dawson Creek Hospital Auxiliary says its fundraising campaign to buy two expensive ‘Tovertafel’ machines to help dementia patients at Rotary Manor has raised nearly double its initial goal.

In March, the auxiliary launched a fundraising campaign to purchase one of the machines – a specialized computer and projector dementia patients can interact with to improve and maintain their cognitive abilities.

Initially, the auxiliary set its sights on raising the $19,500 necessary to purchase a single machine, exclusively for the dementia ward. According to an email update from Fern Hansen, the auxiliary’s executive director, the campaign has already surpassed that goal.

“Our current total is 31,994.55,” Hansen says, “with quite a nice chunk committed and not in yet.”

Hansen wasn’t able to share how much money that “nice chunk” contained, but said her team was “clearly” able to commit to purchasing two Tovertafel machines – one for the dementia ward, and another for use by the rest of the long-term care home.

During an interview on the March 28th episode of This Week in the Peace, Hansen said if the campaign raises enough money, her team may be able to purchase a third unit for the hospital itself.

Donations can be sent via e-transfer to dcaux@pris.ca; cheque to 11100 13th Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3W1, payable to Dawson Creek Hospital Auxiliary; or cash by visiting the hospital’s gift shop.

Tax receipts will be issued for donations greater than $20. 

Updates regarding fundraising events will be posted to the Dawson Creek Hospital Auxiliary’s Facebook page.