The pediatric, nursery and maternity units at Penticton Regional Hospital have received a $41,000 boost courtesy of the Have a Heart Radiothon.

The 12th annual event hosted by EZ Rock and Sun-FM which was broadcast live from Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on Thursday, April 30, generated $35,039.97 for new equipment for children, infants and new moms at PRH.

A further $6,000 from the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary and Gift Shop Auxiliary was donated on Friday, May 1, bringing the total to more than $41,000.

The funds will help the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation purchase some key equipment and fund programs including:

• Opti-Flo Jr Oxygen system: to assist with oxygen for infants in need of breathing support.
• Joey beds for infants to stay beside their mother with continual warming.
• Pulse Oximeters to detect critical congenital heart disease.
• Orthotics and running shoes for children diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatologic Arthritis and Hypermobility Syndrome.
• Baby talk/Connecting Moms programs to keep close connections for the good health of newborn babies and their moms.

“This important fundraising event touches the lives of many people in the South Okanagan whether they participate and donate, or have a child that has needed and used equipment that has been purchased over the years,” she said. “We thank you.” Janice Perrino, the Foundation’s executive-director, added her appreciation of the radio stations’ support.

“Thanks to Sun-FM and EZ Rock for an incredible day. They have helped fundraise more than $860,000 for PRH over the past 12 years for medical equipment and patient comforts in the pediatric, maternity and nursery departments,” Perrino said.

Above right:Glen Fordyce of the Penticton Fire Department collects a donation outside the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre during the Have a Heart Radiothon.