Ottawa Hospital Foundation's ambitious 20-20 Campaign finishes with a $24.5 million bang
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Sheena Bolton
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Tweet ThisEMC News - After 20 months of furious campaigning the Ottawa Hospital Foundation exceeded its goal of $20 million in 20 months to help pay for the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre expansion.
Over that time, there were many worries that the $20 million target was too high. However, at a ceremony last Friday Feb. 26 at the opening of the Cancer Centre expansion, currently under construction, the foundation announced it was able to raise $24,521,349.
Paula Doering, vice president of the Ottawa Hospital, welcomed spectators to her home away form home.
"Since we have opened the doors to the cancer centre we've heard time and time again from our patients how much they appreciate the calm airy feel of the space," said Doering. "At a time when their own lives are in upheaval and when moments of uncertainty abound, having a facility like this truly does make a difference. I know we are here to unveil the final achievement but I want to first take this opportunity to thank the community for its generosity and tell you that without a doubt your contribution to this campaign has had an impact on many lives already."
The total cost for the expansion was $80.5 million. Ever dollar donated to the 20-20 Campaign triggered a $2.30 provincial government contribution.
The expansion has centralized nine radiation machines at the General Campus, added 15 new chemotherapy chairs, for a total for 50 and offered a bright and welcoming place for families to start the recovery process.
"I'm delighted to be here today to be apart of what I think is a very special announcement," said Steve West, co-chair of the 20-20 Campaign. "It doesn't seem too long ago in 2008 that Dr. (Jack) Kitts (President and CEO of the Ottawa General Hospital) asked me to be prepared to be a chair for a campaign to raise $20 million in a very small time frame of just 20 months. I felt somewhat anxious as it was a very ambitious undertaking."
He said he knew the campaign was important to be apart of because everyone is touched by cancer in some way and it's important for everyone to have a fighting chance to beat the disease.West co-chaired the campaign with Yves Tremblay.
Tremblay expressed his gratitude and thanks to the cancer centre staff for all their efforts during the last 20 months.
"On top of taking care of our loved ones, the staff at the centre took the time to help at the campaign as well," said Tremblay. "They were also called upon to speak at events, to lead tours of the old centre and tell the story of the centre for positional videos. Quite simply they put their hearts into their campaign."
Many businesses and people across Ottawa contributed to the campaign. Honourary co-chair Roger Greenberg thanked those individuals, including the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation who contributed $5 million. Greenberg co-chaired with Rabbi Reuven Bulka.
To round out the event Dr. Kitts told of the importance of the cancer centre.
"The Ottawa hospital is the hub of cancer care for this entire region for all of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario," said Dr. Kitts. "Right now 50 per cent of all patients who come through those hospital doors are here for cancer or cancer-related reasons. The care we provide them needs to be as seamless and timely as possible. Our community should expect and deserve the very best cancer care possible."
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