The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation has been presented with $250,000 towards its fundraising campaign for the new hospital that is under construction on Bell McKinnon Road.
At an event at the BC Forestry Centre in April, the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative presented a $200,000 cheque to CDHF Board Chair David Robertson, which is the largest contribution ever made by the group.
As well, Pacheedaht First Nation Chief Arliss Daniels presented a $50,000 cheque to the foundation on behalf of Qala:yit Forestry, which is jointly owned by the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative and the Pacheedaht First Nation.
The combined $250,000 donated will be doubled thanks to a pledge from Jimmy Pattison to match donations up to $5 million in support of purchasing medical equipment for Cowichan’s new hospital, which makes the total contribution $500,000.
“We are grateful to Mr. Pattison for his offer to match donations to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, an offer that gave us an extra incentive to step up and make the donation we are announcing today,” said Lorne Scheffer, chair of the Forest Co-operative.
“This is a unique opportunity, and we hope other interests in Cowichan will follow suit. This new hospital is a one-in-a-generation opportunity to help ensure it is equipped with the best technology we can afford.”
David Robertson, chair of the hospital foundation, said the board was stunned and incredibly grateful when they learned of the significant donation from Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative and Qala:yit.
“To receive funds like this is a true testament to the strength of our community and demonstrates how important exceptional healthcare is to those who live and work in the Cowichan Valley,” he said.
“We feel sure that others will be inspired by this transformational gift and thank everyone involved for their commitment to the future of our new hospital.”
