100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes lend support to RMH

November 16, 2021 - The Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation was honoured to be selected by the 100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes to receive members’ combined support for a new community MRI.

This need was put forth for consideration by RMH physiotherapy assistant, Ruth Hopkins, who is also a member of the 100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes. Ruth knows well the impact of donor support for equipment needs at the Ross, and was eager to connect the 100 Women Who Care with the current priority — the replacement of the community’s 10 year old MRI. 

Today, Ruth was joined by the 100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes President Carol Ann Gallant and fellow members Sandi Evans, Pam Dermedy and Debbie Green to present the group’s donation to Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO.

“The members of 100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes are delighted to make this donation to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation in the amount of $12,750.00 toward the purchase of a new MRI machine, which will assist physicians in meeting the diagnostic needs of so many residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes,” said Carol Ann Gallant. “Since our inaugural meeting in February 2016, 100 Women Who Care have raised $276,670.00 to support local charities here in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Together we can make a huge impact and make a real difference in our community.”

“We were so pleased to hear that Ruth had championed this important need with the 100 Women Who Care,” said Erin Coons. “As a healthcare professional working in the Health First program, Ruth knows how many patients require an MRI scan to diagnose and treat injuries and disease. With the support of her fellow philanthropists, we’re now a big step closer to this critical acquisition for our community.” 

This month, the RMH Foundation is mailing letters throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes to highlight the need for a new MRI. The current MRI was installed in January 2011 and has reached the end of its useful life. The cost of an MRI including installation is approximately $2.5 million. The Ross Memorial Hospital does not receive provincial funding to replace medical equipment such as the MRI. The Hospital depends on donations from the community to fund these costs.

The 100 Women Who Care Kawartha Lakes is a giving circle of women who want to contribute to their community’s wellbeing, vitality and people, meeting three times per year to select a local cause to support. If you are interested in joining our group of like-minded, generous and caring women, please visit their website at www.100womenkawarthalakes.ca.

Photo: (left to right) Pam Dermedy, Carol Ann Gallant, Erin Coons, Ruth Hopkins, Sandi Evans, Debbie Green