A $600,000 donation will help enhance 91原创 Memorial Hospital鈥檚 emergency department and build an MRI suite, thanks to proceeds raised during the inaugural Mayor鈥檚 Charitable Gala.

The gala was held by Township of 91原创 Firefighters IAFF Local 4550, Mayor Jack Froese, and Township council on Sept. 22 at Darvonda Nurseries to benefit local charities and initiatives supported by the Township of 91原创 Firefighters鈥� Charitable Society.

The final numbers have been tallied, and through the generosity of gala attendees, as well as giving businesses and individuals in the community, the event raised $856,000.

The TLFCS had committed proceeds from this year鈥檚 Gala to the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation鈥檚 鈥淓mergency Response鈥� campaign and to other local programs and partnerships.

One generous donor, Ann Blaauw, contributed $500,000 for the hospital project and a further $250,000 to be used by the Charitable Society for its other community initiatives.

On Oct. 15, members of Township of 91原创 Firefighters IAFF Local 4550, Mayor Jack Froese, Gala Committee member Coun. Angie Quaale, and Township of 91原创 Fire Chief Stephen Gamble were joined by Blaauw in presenting a cheque for $600,000 to Jason Cook, executive director of 91原创 Memorial Hospital and 91原创 Health Services, and Dr. Judy Higginson, head of LMH鈥檚 emergency department.

鈥淭he money raised at the first annual Mayor鈥檚 Charitable Gala will have a great impact on the health and wellbeing of the entire community through this significant donation to the hospital鈥檚 Emergency Response campaign,鈥� said Froese.

鈥淲e are so grateful to our firefighters for their hard work and dedication to making the event a success, for the community who supported it through donations and sponsorships, and one very generous donor, Mrs. Ann Blaauw, for her immense contribution and generosity.鈥�

To support the Township of 91原创 Firefighters鈥� Charitable Society, visit.

To contribute to 91原创 Memorial Hospital鈥檚 emergency department enhancement project, visit