MONTREAL — Originally from Kitchener Mike Hoffman is mobilizing for the Region of Waterloo with a vital fundraiser next month.
The product of “The Hoffmann Gala” will support the Joint Hospital MRI Fund to purchase state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging machines for St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital.
The black tie event, which includes dinner, drinks, a live auction and dancing, will take place on Thursday, June 16 at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, Ont.
Click here to see participation and sponsorship options.
“We knew there was a need for these machines, so we’re just trying to keep people healthy,” Hoffman said. “You see a lot of unfortunate scenarios, especially with cancer—whether it’s children or family members. Anything we can try to do to ease the pain or help people is our goal. “
With a single machine in Grand River operating 24 hours a day, serving both hospitals, the shortage of MRIs in community hospitals has reached critical levels.
Statistics released in March revealed that the average wait time for patients referred in Waterloo Region to have an ultrasound is 82 days, which is nearly three times longer than the provincial target time.
More than 2,500 patients are also currently awaiting elective analyses.
Click here to learn more about the Hospital MRI Joint Fund. Donation options are also available.
This is the second edition of the Gala.
The previous event in 2019 raised over $100,000 for the HopeSpring Cancer Support Center and the Grand River Hospital Foundation.