Giving from and for the heart: former broadcaster Neil Headrick and his grandson Emmett are both heart patients at the Victoria Hospital and in so many ways epitomize how special Give A Little Life Day is as a multi-generational community builder with a strong radio component. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff) .

By Glenn Hicks

the big day of giving

Over $300,000 raised for Give A Little Life Day

Dec 6, 2019 | 6:26 AM

The community came, saw and contributed in another big way for health care services in Prince Albert and region for the Give A Little Life Day Radiothon for the Victoria Hospital Foundation.

When all was said and done – and there was plenty said about the importance of quality equipment during this 12-hour radio extravaganza – an incredible $303,105 was raised Friday for new cardiac diagnostic equipment.

The Give A Little Life team hang out after after another huge day of fundraising for the Victoria Hospital Foundation. Back row from left, Bob Hayes, Jennifer Rust, Heather Walker, Chris Knight, Teena Monteleone, Kirsten S. Front row, Sherry Buckler, Lew Harrison, Andy Cohen. (submitted)

“People feel very strongly about having a well-equipped hospital nearby should they or their loved ones ever need it,” the Foundation’s CEO Sherry Buckler told paNOW in response to the very successful fundraising. “Our hospital is the first stop for many if there’s an emergency… and they also know their donation stays right here in the community so that plays a big part as well.”

It’s all in the giving. Give A Little Life Day has become an annual tradition for many in the community. You just walk into the lobby of the Victoria Hospital and donate what you can. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

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Buckler said the event was always heart-warming and “the happiest day of the year for the community because everyone is so giving and altruistic and in a good mood; lots of friends getting together. It brings people together.”

Community and giving: VHF CEO Sherry Buckler share a moment during the 12-hour radiothon with XFM celebrity Lew Harrison.(Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

Earlier, and with the sun not even up, the cheque books were out en masse as the Prince Albert and area community starting doing what they do this time every year – give for local health care.

For 12 hours non-stop today Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital (VHF) was once again the heartbeat of the community’s generous spirit. And the message of ‘Listen To Your Heart’ was front and centre as we listened to what’s on our favorite radio dials.

As the region’s three popular radio stations – 900 CKBI, XFM and Power 99 – churned out the beats, interviews and fun for the Give A Little Life Day Radiothon, the citizens of the region were encouraged to rally to the cause for what is always an uplifting occasion. And they did, even though the final tally fell short of the ambitious $385,000 goal initially set.

Volunteers from Parkland Ambulance were ready to take phone pledges this morning.(VHF/Facebook)

Dr. Randy Friesen said the reality is medicine is an expensive business.

“Equipment gets outdated just as in does in every part of life. If we took out every piece of equipment the foundation has provided over the years I think it’s safe to say things would grind to a halt,” he said.

It’s never too early to Give A Little Life. Giving for the VHF is a multi-generational thing.(Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

As always, people from all walks of private and corporate life arrived at the hospital to donate- whether they be school kids who raised money from their own efforts, or service groups. As an example, Prince Albert Royal Purple Elks donated $1,500.

It all helps. Harold Guy from P.A. Shriners donated $500. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

And Loren Sproat with the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation , who donated $10,000 from the casino’s charity arm, summed up the day that means so much to the entire community.

“When I was driving down here I was listening to the radio and I was thinking back to when I was involved in the first X-Ray equipment that was donated to the hospital, so a lot of memories came flooding back.”

The Lifeskills/Transition class from Wesmor Public High School made their contribution following their bake sales.(Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

Among other sizeable donations in the morning was one for over $23,000 from the Emma Lake golf course.

Willow Vogelgesang and Nifemi Owonikoko, Grade 8 students from St. Francis School, are flanked by Sherry Buckler with the VHF and school principal Richard Rapin. The students made a $280 donation this afternoon from funds they raised at Halloween and staff matched that for $560. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

Former broadcaster Neil Headrick knows all too well how vital cardiac diagnostic help can be after he suffered a heart attack.

“It’s an all-hands-on-deck event and something our whole team looks forward to every year,” Danny Kid, the program director with the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group told paNOW as the all-day broadcast got underway well before dawn. “The outpouring of support from our community for the VHF is simply outstanding.”

Trust me…I’m a broadcaster. Chris Knight,left, Lew Harrison, Teena Monteleone, and Andy Cohen were on-air and on task for an exciting 12-hour day starting at 6 a.m. for the Give A Little Life Day Radiothon (submitted)

The personalities from the radio stations, along with special guests and donors were on-air all day sharing just what the day means for patient care in the city and well beyond.

The power of giving: the community has been speaking about the significance of having a well-equipped hospital all day.(Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

“It’s an exciting day, a heart-wrenching day, and one of extreme importance.”

For today’s special event, 6 p.m.may be long gone, but can still give by visiting www.helpthevic.ca.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow