September 4, 2009/- Together We Can, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s 70-million fundraising campaign for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care, has hit a new milestone. This morning, at the 4th Annual Kingston Cares Radiothon, the Foundation announced the campaign had reached the $60-million mark.

“Thanks to the thousands of people, organizations and businesses who have contributed to the campaign, we’ve reached a new milestone in making our hospitals the best they can be,” said Ian Wilson, Chair of the campaign. 

The campaign started at $50 million at the public launch in June 2008. A major gift of $2 million by philanthropist Larry Gibson on Launch Day put the total at $52 million. The total rose to $55 million at the end of September 2008, $57 million in early November 2008 and $59 million in early May this year.

“The last mile of any journey can often be the hardest. This next phase of the campaign could be very challenging. We’ve secured a lot of big donations from generous individuals, businesses, organizations and municipalities. To get us the rest of the way we will need strong community support from people just like you,” said Wilson.

“If you haven’t made a donation, please consider making one. If you have already made your gift to improve patient care in our hospitals, then please help us spread the word to others about why it’s so important,” said Wilson.

The campaign will support the expansion and renovation of patient care facilities at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care. Construction on the KGH project is already underway, and includes an improved cancer centre, a new pediatrics inpatient unit, a new dialysis unit, a new ICU unit a new mental health inpatient unit and more. The first units are expected to open in January. The rest will follow before 2012. At Hotel Dieu, plans call for more space for specialized outpatient clinics. The project is awaiting final approval by the province. It is hoped construction could start as early as next year. At Providence Care, redevelopment will mean replacing the St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital and Mental Health Services sites with a brand new hospital. The plan is awaiting government approval.