Submitted by April Patry, Executive Director, Bruce Peninsula
March 23, 2021 – The Foundation office is brimming with activity, akin to Santa’s workshop, as staff work tirelessly to snap pictures, write descriptions and upload a bounty of fabulous auction items into our online auction. Despite the difficult year local businesses have endured, our merchants, professionals and ‘friends of the foundation’ have generously donated a terrific variety of treasures, experiences, delicious delights, and services.
This year’s auction has a pandemic living theme, with the addition of special categories; “Backyard Paradise”, and “Quarantine Crafty Corner” where a number of hospital staff have contributed some of their “isolation creations” and are identified in the auction as Frontline Friends of the Foundation. As always, the Foundation is so proud to offer the ‘Best of the Bruce’- local artwork, growers, services, experiences, dining, shopping, and more.
Worthy of special mention; this past fall, the grade 7/8 class at Ecole Hepworth Central School painted up a storm in support of local healthcare. BPHSF featured the artists and their hand painted Christmas ornaments on social media throughout the month of December to help count down the days to Christmas. All of the ornaments are available for bidding (and they are terrific)!
This year’s auction proceeds will be going toward the purchase of two new x-ray machines, one for each Wiarton and Lion’s Head Hospitals. The x-ray is the most commonly used and accessible diagnostic tool. It is often referred to as the first line of defense when diagnosing patients. Most patients who end up in the ER, and those who are admitted at some point in their hospital journey will receive an x-ray. It may be to diagnose a broken arm or ankle, or a chest x-ray to determine pneumonia. The x-ray informs the physician of what type of care or test the patient requires next. The last x-ray machines were purchased and installed in 2005. Typically, we expect this equipment to last about 10 years. Our two peninsula hospitals average a combined annual volume of 8,500 x-rays. Each x-ray machine costs $510,000, meaning that a total of $1,020,000 must be raised to purchase this critical equipment.
Auction Goes LIVE April 10th
The Spring Auction is available to preview and for early bidder registration beginning April 3rd for one week, then the Auction goes LIVE April 10th at 7am and runs 24/7 until April 17th. We hope that the Auction not only raises funds, but raises spirits too by providing some fun, (sometimes competitive) entertainment.
Please help us ‘keep care close to home’ by virtually joining us at @ www.bphsfoundation.com. Viewing, registering and bidding is easy. If you need assistance, please call April or Catherine at (519) 534-5856.
