The Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation has formally kicked off a major fundraising effort to secure an MRI machine for Goderich, setting a goal of raising $6.5 million over the next two years. The Magnetic Moments capital campaign aims to expand access to diagnostic imaging for patients across the region.
The campaign launch was held on December 2 at Cowbell Brewing, where the foundation confirmed it has already brought in $960,423. Those early contributions came through gifts, pledges, and community events following a quiet start to the campaign during the Long Table Dinner in August.
Local physician and Chief of Surgery Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer will lead the initiative as campaign chair, supported by a cabinet of community representatives who will help guide strategy and outreach. Ambassadors and additional volunteers will work alongside the cabinet to secure commitments needed to meet the campaign timeline. Dr Kittmer said she accepted the role after reviewing the extensive case for the project.
“I was honoured to be asked to chair this committee," she continued. "In reviewing the business case submitted to the Government of Ontario and reading the 14 signed letters of support from various government officials, doctors, community and business associations, and all 23 of the radiologists who support our current imaging department, I knew that there was not only community need, but strong community support. These words of support sealed my decision to chair a committee that will certainly leave a legacy in the community.”
The project received provincial approval in 2022, giving the foundation a two-year window to raise the required funds. The strategy to reach the multi-million dollar goal includes major donor outreach, special events, community appeals, workplace visits, third-party fundraisers, and grant applications. Foundation executive director Kimberley Payne emphasized that the community’s role is essential.
“What most people don’t realize is that hospital foundations cover the costs of any hospital equipment over $1,000 with funds raised by the community," Payne added. "The $6,500,000 required to purchase and install the MRI machine here in Goderich is no exception.”
With the request for proposals currently open, the hospital expects to name the vendor in January. Renovations to accommodate the MRI suite on the hospital’s ground floor will follow, with installation scheduled for 2027 and patient services expected to begin in 2028.
“We have a team of dedicated community champions ready to not only raise the funds needed, but reduce wait times, the need to travel long distances for an MRI, and truly strengthen regional healthcare in Huron County,” Foundation chair Laura Herman noted.
More information on the Magnetic Moments campaign, including ways to contribute, is available through the AMGH Foundation.
