The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation has unveiled its 2024 “Hope for Healthcare” holiday campaign, focusing on raising funds to upgrade essential diagnostic imaging and cardiac diagnostics technology. This year’s campaign aims to address a critical need for advanced medical equipment at Brantford General Hospital and the Willett, Paris, to enhance patient care and outcomes.
“Some of the most critical pieces of equipment used at BCHS involve diagnostic imaging,” said Kari Wilson, Executive Director of the BCHS Foundation. “Continuously, our clinical staff turn to this equipment to diagnose various ailments, and the need is there for upgrades that will help provide improved patient care. But this cannot be done without the generosity of our community.”
Diagnostic imaging plays an indispensable role in healthcare, assisting in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating a wide range of medical conditions. Over 200,000 diagnostic imaging procedures were performed at BCHS during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. However, the technology powering these essential services requires substantial investment to remain cutting-edge.
The campaign highlights the urgent need to replace key equipment, including digital mammography machines, ultrasound systems, a gamma camera, and MRI technology. The BCHS Foundation is tasked with raising over $6 million in the coming years to fund these upgrades, as the provincial government does not cover the cost of acquiring or replacing medical technology.
In a significant boost to the campaign, Mott Manufacturing has stepped forward as the matching donor for this year’s appeal. The company has pledged to match community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
“Mott Manufacturing is proud to give back to the communities we serve and support this year’s holiday appeal by matching donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000,” said Ed Seegmiller, CEO of Mott Manufacturing. “Our company believes in the importance of a strong local healthcare system for our community—one that is available when our employees and families need it most.”
The matching campaign is expected to inspire donors to contribute, amplifying the impact of every dollar raised. “We are incredibly grateful to Mott Manufacturing for partnering with the BCHS Foundation as our 2024 matching donor,” said Wilson. “Every donation makes a real difference, and we hope that this matching contribution will inspire our community to give a gift that is meaningful to them and invest in their healthcare system this holiday season.”
In addition to technology upgrades, the campaign supports broader goals within BCHS’s commitment to patient-centered care. Investments will not only enhance diagnostic imaging services but also reinforce BCHS’s role as a vital healthcare provider for Brantford, Brant County, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and surrounding communities.
The BCHS Foundation is calling on the community to act now. “NOW is the time to make a difference!” urged the Foundation in its announcement. Community members can contribute to the 2024 Hope for Healthcare campaign by visiting hopeforhealthcare.ca or donating securely at bchsdonate.ca.
As the holiday season encourages acts of generosity, the BCHS Foundation’s campaign is a reminder of the collective power of a community to transform its healthcare system. With support from residents, businesses, and organizations like Mott Manufacturing, the Foundation is confident it can meet its ambitious goals and provide life-saving equipment to those who need it most.
