The Bluewater Health Foundation says it's overwhelmed by the generosity of the Sarnia-Lambton community.
Their COVID-19 fund has generated more than $545,000 since March with help from over 410 separate donors, both private and from local companies and industry.
Executive Director Kathy Alexander said the money has allowed them to purchase some key pieces of equipment, including a new ventilator and a UV sterilizer machine for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
"We've also been able to purchase over 109,000 pieces of PPE for all of our staff and hand sanitizer as well to keep people clean and safe when they're on the job or visiting the hospital," she said. "Some other things we've been able to purchase is iPads to keep families connected to their loved ones. We've been able to keep staff safe. If they've needed to quarantine in a hotel, we've been able to provide accommodations for those staff."
Alexander said with help from Granfondo organizers, they've also been able to provide over 5,000 healthy and nutritious meals to staff at the hospital.
She said the need continues, and they're still accepting donations which will be used for hospital equipment.
"All of these donations really come with them a very special message of appreciation to all of the workers at Bluewater Health, and their care and compassion for responding and treating so many people in our community with COVID-19 and always. We're so fortunate to have the care providers that we have at Bluewater Health."
Alexander said demand this year is even greater because the foundation has been forced to cancel many of its fundraising events because of the pandemic.
Those wishing to contribute to the fund can visit www.bwhf.ca for more information.
