Mark your calendars for June 7 as the Radiothon For Life in support of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation approaches, aiming to raise vital funds for the St. Joseph's Hospital.

This remarkable event has consistently garnered tremendous support from the community, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to enhance healthcare services in Estevan and the southeast.

We had the privilege of speaking with Lori Gervais, the Executive Director of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, to gain insights into the significance of the event and the impact it has had on the hospital and the community. -Her full interview can be listened to below

For the 2022 Radiothon for Life, $110,175.30 was raised. 

"Last year, we were raising money for the Unit A renovations and upgrades which were much needed. Our hospital is 30 years old, and there were many things that needed to be updated and renovated. The funds were utilized for new equipment and everything that unit A needed and wanted," said Gervais.

This year, the focus is on raising funds for the Emergency Department (ER) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Gervais explained, "There are definitely some upgrades needed in the ER department. Being in the healthcare industry, all equipment needs to be updated and upgraded at all times, so there are always improvements that can be made, and it's never cheap."

The Radiothon for Life will commence in the early part of June, with some exciting changes and additions. To accommodate more participants, the event will now run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Gervais shared her decision behind this change, saying, "We found that the 6:00 am hour was pretty quiet and made for a pretty early morning, so we've decided to start at 7 and go till 7, which gives people a little more opportunity to get there after work as well." Additionally, the traditional lunch BBQ  that runs from 11:30 AM to 1 PM will be extended with a 5 PM to & 7 PM BBQ happening as well, hosted in collaboration with Southern Plains Co-op.

To ensure a fun-filled experience for everyone, especially the kids, there will be a bouncy castle set up near the hospital premises. This family-friendly addition aims to create an enjoyable atmosphere for the attendees.

Furthermore, this year's event introduces a raffle, thanks to the generous support of Estevan Market Mall. Gervais enthusiastically shared the details, stating, "They have purchased two e-bikes, which are super popular right now, and we are raffling them off. You can buy tickets at the mall office, Sport Check, or my office, or contact us online or by phone. The draw will take place on the day of Radiothon, and tickets are priced at $10 each."

The involvement of the business community has always played a vital role in the success of the Radiothon For Life, and this year, Whitecap Resources stepped up with a major donation of $10,000 to kick off the Radiothon! 

For those interested in contributing or donating, you can visit the online portal at www.sjhf.org, call 306-687-0310, or by coming down to the hospital parking lot on the event day.

Gervais emphasized, "I would love to hear the phones ringing or have people come down in person and spend the afternoon with us." The support and participation of the community are crucial in making this event a resounding success.

As June 7 approaches, mark it on your calendars and save the date for the Radiothon for Life in support of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation.