MAJOR CONTRIBUTION - The Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary continues to be a major supporter of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation's Light the Way Campaign. This year is no different as the auxiliary has presented a $5,000 contribution to the foundation. One week after it was launched, Light the Way has passed the $24,000 mark and is well on its way to its $65,000 goal. From left, foundation managing director Jodi Swan accepts a cheque from auxiliary president Marilyn Conklin and treasurer Madeline Ryan.

November 23, 2004 - Amherst Daily News - Darrell Cole

Light the Way breaks $24,000

Just one week after it was launched the CUmberland Health Care Foundation's Seventh Annual Light the Way Campaign is a third of the way home.

"The response we have received has been nothing short of amazing," foundation managing director Jodi Swan said Monday. "The story was barely in the newspaper and mailout just out the door when the first contributions started coming in."

As of Monday, the campaign had surpassed the $24,000 mark and is well on its way to its goal of $65,00 that will be used to purchase a portable ultrasound for the hospital's maternal/child department, motility study equipment which can be used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and two additional syringe drivers that provide pain medication to patients in palliative care and can be used for post-operative patients in the surgical department.

The campaign received a major boost on Monday when members of the CUmberland Health Care Auxiliary presented a $5,000 contribution.

"We are pleased to be able to support this very important campaign, "auxiliary president Marilyn Conklin said. "The foundation, like the auxiliary, plays an important role in the life of the hospital and we're honoured to be able to help Light the Way in any way we can."

The auxiliary also took the opportunity to present the foundation with a $50,000 cheque for the purchase of an ENT microscope for one of the hospital's newest specialists, Dr. Tim Wallace.

The Light the Way Campaign will hold its official Christmas light-up on SUnday at 6 p.m. by the front entrance of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan. There will be musical entertainment and an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will hand out treats to children in attendance.

"Based on the response we have had to date we are ahead of last year's pace an remain confident we will achieve our goal this year," Swan said, adding people can continue to support the campaign throughout the month of December by purchasing lights, wreaths and angels in honour of someone or just because they care about providing the best health-care system possible to residents in Cumberland and Westmorland counties.