Healthcare in the southeast corner of the 306 received a big boost over the past 12 hours, with $159,077 in donations for the Radiothon for Life.

Despite being 14 months into a global pandemic, the fundraiser for the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation blew past last year's total of $101,000.

The foundation is tasked with raising money for capital projects and renovations. The provincial government pays for operating expenses. This year's fundraiser was for a new outpatient centre.

St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Executive Director said she was blown away by the community support.

"We're truly amazed by the outcome of this Radiothon. We didn't really know what to [expect] going into it, just with everything constantly changing with COVID, and again our community in southeast Saskatchewan completely blew our expectations out of the water. We are so excited with that grand total that we received today, and it will go to such a great cause for our outpatient centre."

Van De Woestyne said the influx of cash will take care of that project.

"This is a huge help. This will actually fully fund our entire outpatient centre at our hospital, which is again amazing. And it will all be used to purchase new upgraded equipment in our hospital. Everyone will benefit from this, and again our hospital will really really appreciate this greatly I'm sure."

The Radiothon ran on CJ 1150, Rock 106, and Sun 102 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with money coming in via calls to the phone line, online contributions, and bids on the SJHF's online auction.

Van De Woestyne had nothing but praise for the support from individuals and the business community.

"We just want to say a huge thank you to every local business, any person that came and donated today, or the last month whether it was a five-dollar donation or a $10,000 donation in some cases. It all went to such a great cause, and that total is a true example of our community right here."