Funds are continuing to be raised for the SOS Medical Foundation's $10 million oncology clinic campaign, with the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary the latest to support the cause.
The group recently donated $50,000 to the medical foundation, as part of its $200,000 pledge for a chemotherapy bay at the expanded cancer clinic on the third floor of the Penticton Regional Hospital.
"We are profoundly thankful for the auxiliary's steadfast support and commitment," said Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation. "Their volunteer efforts greatly enhance healthcare in the South Okanagan-Similkameen ensuring our residents receive the highest quality care."
Since its first donation of $2,000 several years ago, the auxiliary has contributed more than $1 million to the medical foundation.
The group -- consisting of 70 local volunteers -- sees most of its revenue come from the Oliver Hospital Thrift Shop, located at 5928 Kootenay Street.
Since 2022, the medical foundation has been raising funds for the expanded clinic, which will "increase the number of nurses and treatment bays to better support the South Okanagan-Similkameen region" by the halfway point of 2025.
"The facility will offer comfort and increase mental health support by having space for social workers and caregivers to stay with their loved ones," representatives from the medical foundation said after the auxiliary's donation.
As of April 2024, the medical foundation says it is halfway toward reaching its fundraising goal of $10 million.