Starry Nights campaign sets $1 million goal for hospital reno

The South Cariboo Health Foundation is asking the community to help reach the largest goal in the Starry Nights campaign’s history.

This year’s campaign will start a five-year goal to raise $1 million to completely renovate the laboratory at the 100 Mile District General Hospital.

“It’s a 60-year-old hospital with a 60-year-old lab; there’s been minor changes and updates, but for the most part the equipment, the design and space are all as old as the hospital itself,” says Danielle Sabiston, the Fundraising and PR Coordinator for the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF).

“I think anybody who’s been in the lab would agree that it’s pretty squishy; there’s a lack of privacy in the patient area where the collections all take place. So, it’s time, and we’re hoping to really kick things off this year.”

The SCHF has committed $30,000 of funds to the pre-design phase of the lab renovation project. The pre-design will assess the lab’s existing condition to determine what is feasible and needed for the renovation. Design options will then be presented and reviewed by Interior Health and the SCHF.

Over the next handful of years, the Starry Nights campaign is hoping to raise $200,000 per year.

“We know it’s a huge ask of the public, and this is a larger per-year goal for us, but the community always steps up,” Sabiston said. “I’m blown away every year at the generosity of the people. The people here love the community, and they want to support it, the staff, the patients, just everybody comes together at this time of year, and helps support Starry Nights over and over.”

The Starry Nights campaign kicks off with its Light Up Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the 100 Mile District General Hospital. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. with crafts for kids, snacks, and a visit from Santa.

Then, at 6:00 p.m., the event will go outside for the official Light Up.

Donations can be made by dropping off at the emergency desk or the health centre desk at 100 Mile District General, by mail, or online through the SCHF website.