After a combined 24 hours on air, 93.5 Moose FM’s annual hospital radiothon raised $33,231 for the local hospital foundation. That’s a step up from last year’s total of $32,535.
From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, a rotating door of volunteers, staff, and community members went on air to share their stories and fundraise for the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation (HHHSF).
Melanie Klodt-Wong, foundation Executive Director, says she’s blown away by the support, especially as this was her first radiothon.
“I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into, and Rick [Lowes] said ‘don’t worry, it’ll all be great, it’ll all take care of itself.’ And it kind of does,” says Klodt-Wong. “The excitement, and people listening in, hearing what people are saying, and challenging each other. It’s really a beautiful thing, to listen to this community come together and support each other. I just feel really blessed to be part of this community.”
According to Klodt Wong, the funds go towards the agency’s Community Support Services, which helps people who can’t drive themselves get to important appointments and services. She says with the amount raised, they’ll work towards buying a seven-passenger van for the fleet.
“That will take the pressure off the two wheelchair vehicles that are currently in service, and eventually will need to be replaced,” says Klodt-Wong. “This will be an ongoing campaign, so this is a really good start. And we’re really excited that we have more than $33,000 in the pot for whatever is needed for transportation. Whether that’s purchasing a vehicle or fixing the vehicles that already exist. All we want is to make sure that transportation continues for community care.”
Klodt-Wong thanked everyone who donated, sponsored, called in, or stopped by, as well as the staff at Moose FM.
“It’s been a long couple of days, but my heart is full and I’m very thankful. From the foundation, and the board, we’re just so grateful to everyone who has supported and donated, both their time and their hard-earned dollars. So we’re very thankful to all of you.”
The fundraiser is still taking donations via the HHHSF’s website.