January 5, 2004 - by Darrell Cole - Amherst Daily News

Light the Way campaign nearing $65,000 goal

UPPER NAPPAN - Although the Christmas season is in the not too distant past, efforts to raise money for important medical equipment for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre are continuing.

"The Christmas season may be over and trees put away, but the need for medical equipment remains and we are continuing to urge people to support the campaign," Cumberland Health Care Foundation managing director Jodi Swan said Tuesday.

Thanks to a $5,00 contribution from the All Saints Hospital Foundation and a number of other donations received between Christmas and New Year's Day, totaling $500, the Light the Way Campaign sits at $59,500 - just $5,500 short of its goal of $65,000.

Swan said the campaign sat at about the same level this time last year before falling about $2,000 short of target. Although donations have been trickling in, she says it's important for people to realize the campaign is continuing because the need is still great.

"We're making a last-minute appeal to anyone out there who hasn't given as of yet to please consider making a contribution, while there are others who may have planned to donate but forgot," she said. "There's still time to support Light the Way and we urge those people to contribute what they can to help us make the goal."

Proceeds from this year's campaign are going to support the purchase of much-needed medical equipment at the hospital including a portable ultrasound for the maternal/child department, a pair of power syringe drivers for palliative care equipment that helps in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders, allowing people to receive the service at home rather than traveling to Halifax.

Donations will be accepted through the end of January.