Just a few shorts weeks after going public with a fundraising campaign, the $20,000 goal to purchase a new gastroscope for Burnaby Hospital was reached.
After the Burnaby NOW reported on the Jack Gin Family Foundation's pledge to match community donations dollar-fordollar for a new gastroscope in April, the community was quick to respond, and the effort reached its goal shortly after.
"I wish we had promised a pledge for something bigger," Jack Gin, head of the foundation, told the Burnaby NOW. "The reality is we keep finding new ways to solve old problems, and that needs new equipment."
A gastroscope is a surgical device used by physicians to view a patient's gastrointestinal tract using fiber optic technology.
After the gastroscope goal was achieved, Gin said the community was still ready to donate more.
"Of course, they still can," he said. "Every year, Burnaby Hospital doctors prepare a wish-list of needed equipment that are beyond budget constraints. My wish is to equip our doctors with tools they need to be better at their jobs. And I hope others in our community will join me in this campaign.
"I encourage everyone to get involved and learn more about your community hospital."
Gin, an engineer and an entrepreneur, said he's now committing to another fundraising campaign.The hospital's wish-list has more than $750,000 worth of equipment on it, he said.
"There ' s 250,000 people in Burnaby, we need $3 each," he said. "I can't ask for that, all I can say is I contribute what I can and the dollars, the individual dollars really, really help."
This time, Gin is pledging for a new fundraising campaign to purchase a piece of equipment for the ear, nose and throat specialists. His foundation will again match half of what the community donates to buy it.
"I'll contribute to half of that, too, through my foundation," he said. "(It's) the next pressing need."
Cheryl Carline, Burnaby Hospital Foundation president and CEO, said the identified high priority needs for the local hospital range from equipment to capital development, including renovations, enhancements and educational initiatives. "The needs are great, and they come in many forms," she told the NOW.
"What is important to remember is that every contribution is helping the hospital diagnose illness, take away pain or save lives."
Carline noted the foundation's appreciation for Gin's fundraising efforts.
"By matching community donations for this campaign, the Gin family is empowering other members of the community to be part of something greater," she said.
"It's very reminiscent of the early citizens in the 1940s, who rallied and fundraised to build the hospital. As we celebrate the hospital's 60th anniversary, it's reassuring to know that this spirit is still alive and strong in our community."
The foundation helped build a boarding school for HIV-affected orphans in Zambia several years ago.
Then two years ago, the foundation helped replace the school's playing field.
For more information about donating, visit www.bhfoundation.ca, or call 604-431-2881.
Donations can also be mailed to: 3935 Kincaid St., Burnaby, B.C., V5G 2X6.
Larry Wright, Burnaby Now / Fundraising champ: Jack Gin, a local engineer, successfully raised enough funds to buy Burnaby Hospital a new gastroscope through his organization, Jack Gin Family Foundation, which is now fundraising for a piece of equipment for hospital ear, nose and throat specialists.;
