December 17, 2004 - by Darrell Cole - Amherst Daily News

Light the Way breaks $50,000

AMHERST - For only the second time in seven years, the Light the Way Campaign in aid of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation has surpassed $50,000.

"As of this afternoon, our total is at $50,800, just a little less than $15,000 to go," foundation managing director Jodi Swan said Thursday. "Although the lights have been lit, the appeal is still ongoing. The funds raised help us to purchase much-needed equipment at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre."

Despite recent funding announcements, Swan said, there is still a demand for equipment purchases. The foundation also funds a number of other programs and initiatives including the coordinator of volunteer services and is a partner in the Cumberland Careers Bursary Program.

This year's campaign, started in November, has a goal of $65,000 which will be used to purchase a portable ultrasound unit for the maternal/child department, motility study equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and two syringe drivers for the palliative care and surgical departments.

Since its inception in 1998 at the former Highland View Regional Hospital, Light the Way has raised in excess of $30,000 for the purchase of important medical equipment. It is one of three major fundraisers held annually by the foundation with the Foundation Dinner in April and the Highland Classic Charity Golf Tournament being the other two.