VGH & UBC HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES URGENT FUNDING NEED FOR VITAL EQUIPMENT

 

 

  2017–2018 Millionaire Lottery’s Goal to Raise Over $2.5 Million in Support of Foundation’s Priority Equipment Needs

 

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation today announced that the Foundation is in urgent need of funds to purchase priority equipment for Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital, and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Funds raised through the 2017-2018 Millionaire Designer Home Lottery (Millionaire Lottery), on sale now, will go directly towards the purchase of new equipment, and funding research. VGH radiology department’s immediate need of a $91,500 mini C-arm is an example of the type of vital equipment that is required to continue to meet the hospital’s high standard of patient care. The Mini C-arm is used in the operating rooms, primarily for orthopaedic and plastic surgery. It is an ergonomic, flexible alternative to standard fluoroscopic, which greatly facilitates advanced treatment approaches.

“Some of our equipment is old and urgently needs to be replaced, and the need to keep pace with the new technology and changing health care needs has never been greater,” said Barbara Grantham, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation President & CEO. “The funds that are raised every year through the Millionaire Lottery fundraising campaign are a significant source of revenue for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and go towards equipment like the mini C-arm. 60 percent of the province’s adult trauma cases are seen in our hospitals, and having more effective operating theatres is just one of our many needs.”

 

To date, the Millionaire Lottery has raised over $50 million for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Ticket sales for the 2017-2018 Millionaire Lottery run until January 12, 2018, and there are over 3000 prizes worth over $4.3 million, including luxury homes, vacations, and cars. Only 117,000 tickets are sold to win a Grand Prize. This year’s top Grand Prize is the Elgin Estates luxury home located at 3078 – 144th Street, South Surrey, part of a package valued at over $3.3 million. Individuals can purchase their tickets online at www.millionairelottery.com, by phone or in-person at London Drugs.

“Last May, I was t-boned while cycling in Kitsilano, fracturing my wrist and two vertebrae, and I suffered a severe type of brain injury,” explained 32-year-old Mike Severloh. “I started walking two months after the accident, and a key part of my recovery has been due to the near infrared spectroscopy technology at VGH, which monitors blood and oxygen levels in my brain. This cutting-edge technology was purchased through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation fundraising dollars. I am fortunate to be alive today, and I am extremely grateful for fundraising events like the Millionaire Lottery, which is instrumental in raising money for this type of life-saving equipment.”

Additional equipment needs for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation include a $36,170 Zoll X-Series Monitor, which is a highly sophisticated monitor that is used to transport unstable and critically ill patients for diagnostics, and to other departments. Automated blood pressure cuffs, bladder scanners, blood warmers and specialized (tilt-in-space) wheelchairs are also on the equipment wish list. Some of the equipment that has been purchased in the past by lottery funds for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation includes 19 long-term ventilators, 5 dual-chamber pacemakers, 6 patient monitors and 10-surgical/OR equipment.

 

About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partner with donors to drive innovation and sustainable health care at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services. For more information on the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation visit www.vghfoundation.ca.

 

About Millionaire Designer Home Lottery

The Millionaire Designer Home Lottery, in support of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, has been in operation since 1996. When Millionaire Lottery tickets are purchased, money raised goes to research and urgently needed medical equipment at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Community Health Services and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, which help the dedicated doctors, nurses and health care teams deliver BC’s best care for adults. While the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation receive significant government support, they depend on the Millionaire Lottery to help buy the latest equipment, and fund life-saving research that will help lead to new discoveries and advances in patient care. Tickets are 1 for $100, 2 for $200, 3 or $250 and 8 for $500. The lottery also includes 50/50 tickets and Daily Cash Plus game tickets. For more information on the Millionaire Lottery visit www.millionairelottery.com.