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Eighth edition of hospital fundraiser has $230,000 goal

Feb 14, 2017 | 8:59 AM

LETHBRIDGE – “At some point in time in our life, whether we want to or not, we’re going to need and we’re going to use the hospital.”

Bob Balog says it’s up to everyone to make sure Lethbridge has the best hospital possible. Balog is honourary chair of the Care from the Heart Radio-a-thon, which hits the airwaves Thursday, Feb. 16 on all of the city’s radio stations. The event has a fundraising goal of $230,000 for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.

“All the money that we raise here — and this is the good part — stays right here in southern Alberta, and goes right to this hospital,” Balog said.

Jason VandenHoek, the foundation’s executive director, said most of the funds raised this year will support renovations in the mental health area, which he says is a priority.

The Radio-a-thon runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the hospital. People can make donations in person during that time, by phone by calling 403-388-6001, or online .

In addition, Balog’s business, Balog Auctions, is holding a special sale Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. to benefit Care from the Heart. People can donate an animal or part of the proceeds from an animal’s sale, make a cash donation or buy a donated animal.

This is the eighth year for the Radio-a-thon, which has raised more than $1.5 million to date.