Journal staff
The Bluewater Health Foundation has reached its fundraising goal of $912,000 for the hospital’s new helipad, executive director Kathy Alexander announced Wednesday.
“Community support makes all the difference,” she told Lambton County Council. “We are so grateful to Lambton County Council, CEEH Foundation and the many incredible people in our community, including a generous donor who matched $10,000 in gifts.
“When Sarnia-Lambton comes together, amazing things happen – thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
The new helipad, constructed last year at the former St. Patrick’s High School athletic track, has been used on numerous occasions since receiving Transport Canada certification — transporting patients requiring specialized urgent care in other parts of the region, including SickKids in Toronto, the hospital noted.
Last year, Lambton County Council approved funding of $400,000 towards the helipad, with remaining funds donated by the community, including a $100,000 contribution from Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital (CEEH) Foundation.
“It was important that the County of Lambton support Bluewater Health’s helipad,” said Warden Kevin Marriott. “We know how valuable this resource has been and will continue to be in our community.
“The helipad means faster access to life-saving care when it’s needed most and will greatly benefit Lambton residents.”
In 2022, the foundation focused its fundraising efforts on the helipad, and in December, a double your donation campaign, supported by a generous local donor, raised over $47,000.