Phone lines opened first thing in the morning, Thursday, May 3rd and the final donation rolled in just before 6 o'clock the following day.

$209,856 was raised at the 12th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radio-thon exceeding the target number, creating a big impact for the regional hospital.

Every year the 36 hour live radio fundraiser brings in money to support health care in Moose Jaw and area.  In past years the event has raised money for specialized equipment in the areas of diagnostics, monitoring, patient treatment, and equipment for patients rooms. 

Kelly McElree had the chance to announce three amazing donations. One donation was made by Cecil Smith in honour of his wife who just recently passed away.

"Her husband Cecil has come in here today (May 4th) to make a presentaion to the Family First Radiothon in her memory - a gift of $18,452 thank you so much Cecil."

The Moose Jaw Health Foundation has also set up a legacy fund so that a donation can be made every year.

"Today, we are able to make the first donation made possible by that legacy fund through the power of our donars for $30,000 for the Radiothon."

McElree was also able to announce one final donation made by the Fox family to the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon.

"Al passed away several years ago and Bernice recently passed away... But today this will be the final gift from the Foxes of $75,000."

The focus for this years Radiothon was new surgical equipment.

The need is evident, currently the Dr. F.H. Wigmore hospital has 4 operating theaters, but only enough equipment to use three.  In addition, there are certain pieces of equipment that are needed in two operating rooms at the same time, which leads to unnecessary surgical delays.

With an inital goal of raising $125 000, the funds will be spent on a traveling endoscopy cart, a glidescope, a defibrillator and a surgical cart for surgeons, physicians and nurses at the local hospital.

Bringing in additional pieces of equipment will increase efficency of the surgical units and expedite the process, thus creating a quicker turnaround, treating more patients and potentially save more lives as a result. 

This total could not be reached without the generosity of Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Everyone at the radiothon extend their thanks to the community for all of the incredible support.