More than $1 million raised in Day of Giving for Kelowna General Hospital Foundation

KELOWNA – The call that went out to fund expanded cardiac care for Kelowna General Hospital resonated so well with residents that a record high of $1,042,761 was donated yesterday, April 25.

That was the annual Day of Giving for the KGH Foundation as it launched its $7 million campaign for Advanced Heart Rhythm Services.

“Quite frankly, I’m still in shock,” Doug Rankmore, CEO of the KGH Foundation, said in a news release. “It’s clear the need is real, and felt by so many across the valley.”

The donations rolled in by phone, text message, online and in person.

Darrell and Margaret Porubanec learned halfway through the day that their match cap of $250,000 had been reached, and that the Day of Giving total was about to exceed half a million dollars

“Speechless!” Margaret is quoted in the news release on her reaction when she heard the news. “I guess our community likes a challenge!”

Advanced Heart Rhythm Services are the study of the heart’s electrical system. They are currently only available in Vancouver or Victoria so patients often have to wait weeks for treatment.

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