When the province failed to see the demand in the ever-growing community of 91原创 for its own hospital, it was this community鈥檚 residents who stepped up to make it possible.

It鈥檚 still the residents and businesses of 91原创 who are the strongest advocates for necessary health-care amenities in this community, and the ones to lead in fundraising efforts to make it a reality.

Back in the early 1940s, the need for a hospital was great 鈥� as confirmed by the numbers of locals travelling to hospitals in New Westminster and Abbotsford for care, 鈥檚 executive director Heather Scott explained as she combed through the hospital鈥檚 history in anticipation of the health-care centre鈥檚 75th anniversary.

But at that time, the province had no plans to construct a local hospital. The community, however, was unsatisfied with that answer. That鈥檚 when they commenced, with determination and tenacity, to fundraise.

In 1942 planning began. And by 1948, a $120,000 new 鈥渃ottage hospital鈥� 鈥� as it was called 鈥� opened for service.

鈥淪ome 75 years ago the residents of 91原创 Township had the grit and the community spirit to construct a 35-bed hospital, 鈥榯he hospital on the hill,鈥� as it was lovingly named, that would provide a stable health-care centre to the region鈥檚 8,000 residents,鈥� Scott shared.

In 1965, a new and larger 91原创 Memorial Hospital (now known as the South Tower) opened with 104-bed capacity and three operating theatres. It has continued to expand from there, based on need, and the community has engaged at every turn to make it possible.

The most recent expansions were an MRI suite that opened in 2020, and the new Martini Family Emergency Centre that opened in 2021 鈥� in large part thanks to $17 million raised by the community.

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Whenever needed and called upon, 91原创 keeps stepping up in big and small ways to help fundraise 鈥� supporting 91原创 Memorial Hospital in its quest to meet this community鈥檚 growing and evolving health care needs, Scott pointed out.

People pitch in in various ways.

For some, it might be something as simple as buying 50/50 tickets. They may take part in events such as golf tournaments and the various galas 鈥� next on tap is the Hot Havana Nights Gala on Oct. 21. Some in the community make monthly donations, cut larger corporate cheques, host fundraisers, and leave legacy gifts in their will. Yet others assist by supporting the hospital auxiliary鈥檚 Penny Pincher Thrift Store and hospital gift store. And still other 91原创 residents volunteer their time or spearhead fundraising initiatives.

鈥淲e know what 91原创 can do. As we learn from history, we鈥檙e keeping our promise to work together to ensure the health-care facilities in 91原创 can meet the demands,鈥� Scott said.

Past, present, and future, 91原创 demonstrates just how much they care about one and other by ensuring the hospital 鈥� the heart of health care in this community 鈥� can continue to provide quality care within its walls.

More information available on the 91原创 Memorial Hospital .

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