Thanks to strong community support, Vernon Jubilee Hospital will be able to upgrade vital surgical equipment that helps patients across British Columbia.

The VJH Foundation’s 39th annual Light A Bulb campaign raised more than $1 million in total through online, phone, mail, and in-person donations. A major boost came on Giving Tuesday, when $600,000 was raised in one day, helped by a $200,000 matching gift from long-time supporter Anita Finlay and another surprise donation that increased early contributions. The campaign focused on urgent needs, and the community stepped up to make it happen.

Kate McBrearty, executive director of the VJH Foundation, said she is always moved by how the community comes together each holiday season to support better health care. Thanks to this generosity, the hospital can replace three essential pieces of surgical equipment that had reached the end of their lifespan. The new equipment includes a Thulium laser used to break up kidney and other stones, a CO₂ laser that allows doctors to remove tumors and growths with less invasive surgery, and an ENT microscope used for delicate ear, nose, and throat procedures. Last year, these tools were used in more than 2,600 surgeries and helped patients recover faster with better results.

The new specialized equipment enables the hospital to perform advanced ear surgeries for patients across the region, from Prince George to Cranbrook.

Source: Jennifer Smith, Westerly News