Cranbrook, BC… East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health Care is pleased to announce the lighting of its 9th star at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
The cold weather isn’t affecting the warm hearts of givers who have helped light this current star. Those same people are also stepping up to move a dream forward for Matt Fraser of the Kootenay ICE.
The enthusiastic “Fraz” as he is known, decided to show support for health care when health issues in his own and billet family made him realize how important families are. Matt reached out to EKFH and set a $5,000 fundraising goal through the regional hospital foundation. With amazing support from family, friends and hockey fans his $5,000 target was surpassed at the November 20 ICE home game followed by the lighting of star # 8 out of the seventeen atop the regional hospital during the November 27th Starlite Campaign launch.
In less than two weeks later, donations for Matt Fraser & Denny’s Shoot for the Star have shot to $10,261.97 with side by side stars now shining for his efforts. The majority of the gifts are being dedicated through EKFH to the area of greatest need as well as others to the regional oncology unit.
“When we started this fundraiser I thought $5,000 was going to be hard to get to, but now seeing donations over $10,000 I can’t believe the support. It’s a real eye-opener for me to see how much a community can do when it comes together,” explains Matt Fraser. “I can’t thank people enough for getting behind this and for making donations to a cause that means so much to me. I hope we can continue to raise as much money as possible,” adds Fraser.
However, it doesn’t stop here, some famous NHL’ers are bringing their Christmas spirit to help the left-winger’s goal by sending their jersey to be bid on. Details on the bidding process are still in planning and will be released at a later date. Matt and EKFH wish to recognize these amazing stars of hockey for this incredible support.
•Jarret Stoll, LA Kings #28 & Former ICE Captain (single autograph)•Rob Niedermayer, New Jersey #21 (team autograph 23 players)•Curtis Glencross, Calgary Flames #20 (team autograph 23 players)•Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks #33 (single autograph)
The Matt Fraser & Denny’s Shoot for the Star fundraiser will continue with the Starlite Campaign wrapping up at the end of January 2010. For more information on the jersey opportunity please contact Donna Grainger at 250 489-6481, 1-877-489-6481 or email: donna.grainger@interiorhealth.ca .
Since its launch at the end of November, generous donors have blessed the Starlite Campaign with gifts totalling $47,781.97. At every $5,000 interval a star is lit atop the East Kootenay Regional Hospital for all to see. EKFH’s second year fundraising goal is $85,000. To make a gift, visit us on-line at www.ekfh.ca. All funds raised stay in the East Kootenay to help you, your family and friends.