The 16th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon has just wrapped up after 36 hours live on the air, raising $159,914 for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital. 

In the final hour, Canadian Pacific Railway made a donation of $20,000 to put the Radiothon over the top to purchase a wireless fetal heart monitor.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation Kelly McElree was blown away by the generosity of Moose Jaw and CP Rail's donation.

"On average, we've had our good doctors say over 500 babies are born at the Wigmore Regional Hospital women's health unit each year. With the help of this generous donation from CP of $20,000, the foundation will be able to aide medical professionals as they help expecting mom deliver their babies safely with a new state-of-the-art wireless fetal heart monitor," McElree said.

All of the funds will go towards the purchase of new and updated equipment for the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital's pediatric and women's health units. 

The funds will go towards purchasing state-of-the-art equipment including a new wireless fetal heart monitor, neonatal incubator, phototherapy blanket for the nursery, pediatric glidescope and pediatric beds.    

On Friday morning, the Radiothon received a $5,000 donation from the St. Joseph Church Knights of Columbus to go towards the purchase of a phototherapy blanket. 

“So, the Knights have been involved for years in supporting life in all facets from conception to natural death. And so, one of the things that we were really excited about was to see that they were focusing on the pediatric ward this year,” said Gilles L’Heureaux from the Knights of Columbus. 

The Little Princess Ball stopped by and dropped off a cheque for $43,866.35 from their annual event. 

“The community really, really pulled out. We weren't sure what was going to happen after the two-year layover, but then buying all the tickets, the community sponsorship, even to ironing tablecloths and chair covers for us, the community was there when we asked,” said Little Princess Ball chair Elaine Crocker. 

Other major donations included $5,000 for Nutrient Ag Solutions, $20,000 from Gibson Energy, Medavie Health Services West donated $2,500, $1,000 from CAE Canada and $1,000 from Moose Jaw Coop. 

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation also matched the first $10,000 that was raised. 

This total could not be reached without the generosity of the community and the surrounding area. 

Those involved in the radiothon would like to extend their thanks to those who donated, answered phones and supported the fundraiser.