Southeast Saskatchewan is gearing up for a busy day that will see money raised for upgrades and new equipment in the medicine unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan.

Wednesday is the 11th Radiothon for Life put on by Golden West Radio in Estevan in support of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (SJHF).

Funds are being raised for Unit A during this year's 12-hour event. 

"They provide acute care, constant observation, palliative care, and everything in between," said SJHF Executive Director Lori Gervais. "Unit A is a very busy, central, and vital part of the hospital."

The fundraiser is returning to the hospital this year. It took place in the radio station parking lot the last two years. This year it will be situated outside near the long-term care entrance from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Southern Plains Co-op is putting on a barbeque at the event that is free with a donation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Radiothon itself has been something that we always look forward to," said Gervais. "It's a fun day for everybody. The staff, having the radio crew around, all the volunteers. It's a long day on the air, but it always seems to fly by."

Last year's radiothon resulted in $159,077 going towards a new outpatient centre.

Gervais said support from the community is always tremendous.

"The hospital foundation itself exists to fund whatever is necessary at the hospital, whether it's purchasing new equipment or upgrading and expanding facilities, doctor recruitment and retention. All of those things. Developments of services. We need the community support. We need generous donors out there. And everyone is extraordinarily committed to all of that as we see again and again with our fundraising. But without that, we wouldn't be able to provide any kind of quality healthcare locally at all."

You can tune in to the radiothon all day on CJ 1150, Sun 102, and Rock 106 as we share stories from people impacted by local healthcare, from hospital and foundation staff, and from other supporters of the cause.

You can call 306-687-0310 to donate, stop by the hospital, or click here.

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