St. Joseph's Foundation of Elliot Lake announced today that they have received a $1 million donation from the Edward and Suzanne Rogers Foundation.
“The donation will be spread over five years, with the first instalments being used for important capital purchases,” said foundation chairman William Elliott. “The announcement coincides with the commissioning of the new CT scanner at the St. Joseph's General Hospital in Elliot Lake, which was paid for through community fundraising efforts. The donation by the Edward and Suzanne Rogers Foundation was instrumental in not only facilitating the purchase of a CT scanner, but in allowing the hospital to purchase the top-of-line unit.”
The installation of the CT scanner will greatly improve patient care and comfort and will help eliminate over 2,200 annual trips out of the region. Previously, patients needing a CT scan would have to travel to Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie for scanner service.
The scanner was delivered in December and cost about $1.8 million for the equipment and renovations in the hospital to house it. It is expected to be in operation this month.
The Edward and Suzanne Rogers Foundation has a strong background in philanthropic activities. Suzanne Rogers has a strong personal connection to Elliot Lake, having been born in St. Joseph's Hospital and having lost her father, Miklos Kolev, in a tragic mining accident at Pater Mine when she was a child. Once she was made aware of the need at the hospital, she was quick to respond, Elliott said in a news release.
"I wanted to give back to my hometown and I know how vital the CT scanner is for the hospital and the community," said Rogers.
Due to restrictions related to the current pandemic, official recognition of the donation has had to be postponed to a later date.
"We look forward to the day when Suzanne and other representatives of the Edward and Suzanne Rogers Foundation can come to Elliot Lake, see firsthand the impact that their generosity has had, and take part in a proper ceremony," Elliott said.
The St. Joseph's Foundation of Elliot Lake is a registered charitable organization dedicated to the improvement of patient care and comfort at the St. Joseph's General Hospital, the St. Joseph's Manor and the Oaks Treatment Centre.