Vivian Smith takes a moment to be grateful for the 91原创 community鈥檚 commitment to its hospital each time she arrives at work.

鈥淓very day I come to the hospital, I see that amazing emergency department taking shape and also the new MRI suite beside it. These are absolutely transformational steps for health services in 91原创 and the community should be so proud,鈥� says Smith, Executive Director of .

And as key as those two projects are for the hospital and community, so too is the continued focus on the day-to-day necessities of providing state-of-the-art medical services to the growing community.

鈥淭hroughout these campaigns, the Foundation and community have not forgotten that we still have a whole hospital that requires funding for everything from staff education to the purchase of specialized, high-tech equipment for areas such as the Pulmonary Function Lab,鈥� Smith reflects. 鈥淓very single corner of this hospital has been touched by both the Foundation and community donors.鈥�

So much more on the way for 91原创 Memorial Hospital

With the new ER underway, the Foundation has turned its fundraising focus to raising $300,000 for urgently needed surgical day care equipment for the endoscopy clinic 鈥� dedicated to providing important diagnoses and treatments for internal diseases and cancers.

And coming up Feb. 29 at the Coast Hotel at Cascades Casino, the will raise funds for specialized new wheelchairs and other mobility-enabling equipment for both acute care and longterm care residences.

Late May also brings the Foundation鈥檚 鈥淭here鈥檚 No Place Like Home鈥� signature gala in support of several mini campaigns the Foundation is undertaking for local health care improvements.

Looking ahead

As these major campaigns come to fruition, and with the Foundation prepared with a strategic plan to take it through the next three years, the time was right for Smith to make way for a new executive director.

鈥淭he Foundation is at the right place at the right time for the transition,鈥� Smith says. 鈥淚 love the organization and the decision was not made lightly, but with the tremendous amount that has been accomplished and the three-year strategic plan to start in April, it will be an opportunity for the next executive director to take the Foundation into the next phase.鈥�

Smith continues her work with the organization as the Foundation鈥檚 board begins the search for a new ED, ensuring a smooth transition this spring.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting time for the Foundation and health services in 91原创!鈥�

To learn how you can contribute to these vital local initiatives, contact the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation at 604-533-6422 or visit online at .

And to show your Giving Heart for what promises to be one of the must-attend events of the year, !