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The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation is the lucky beneficiary of a unique fundraising idea this year, brought to the community by a newcomer from Campbell River, BC.

For years, Campbell River has held a successful scrap metal recycling fundraiser for their hospital foundation. When ABC Recycling’s McLean Welsh transferred to Fort St. John earlier this year, he brought the idea of the fundraiser with him, and asked if our hospital foundation would be interested.

“Join us in making a difference in our community while enjoying some friendly rivalry,” Welsh said. “Let’s work together to support the FSJ Hospital Foundation and make this Scrap Metal Drive a huge success.”

As this is a third-party fundraiser Welsh has done most of the legwork, FSJ Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kelly Amboe said, but the Foundation is sharing it throughout the community and hoping for a successful campaign.

Last year’s fundraiser in Campbell River raised $26,000, but the goal in Fort St. John for the first ever Summer Scrap Metal Drive, which began August 12 and continues until September 12, is to raise $50,000.

To achieve this goal, over 400 tonnes of metal will need to be recycled throughout the fundraising campaign. Welsh says that the corporation that recycles the highest value of metal during the campaign, will be awarded a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted cowboy hat, made entirely from scrap metal by Bischoff Welding.

When the Foundation holds its regular fundraisers, such as Bluey Day, Be an Angel, and Light a Moose, it often attaches a piece of much-needed equipment to it. As this fundraiser is somewhat spur-of-the-moment, it doesn’t have a particular piece of equipment attached to it.

However, Amboe says the Foundation has a list of a number of pieces of emergent medical equipment that it’s raising funds for this year, and the money raised from the Scrap Metal Drive will help with general fundraising.

This year, the Foundation has committed to purchase:

• A Lunar Pro Densitometer: This is a specialized bone density scanner that boasts an extended life span, ensuring the community has access to bone density scanning for many years. It allows physicians to choose treatment plans and preventive measures for patients by predicting fracture risk. In 2023, 426 patients were scanned at FSJ Hospital, that number is expected to increase to 500 in 2024.
• An MRI Body Coil: The MRI Body Coil will improve the diagnoses of 3,000 to 3,500 patients per year. It can reduce the scan time by up to 25 percent, which means less time on the table, especially for patients who have difficulty lying down for an extended period of time or holding their breath. Also, by scanning the abdomen and pelvis at the same time, it means the patient won’t have to come back for a second appointment.
• Maldi Machine: The lab at the FSJ Hospital is the only microbiology lab in the northeast, and processes approximately 18,500 samples annually. The main benefit of the Maldi is rapid identification of bacteria and yeast. It’s also able to find a greater range of pathogens than current methods. By being able to identify more pathogens, less specimens will need to be sent to referral labs, thus reducing costs and turn-around times. This will allow the clinician to make a faster diagnosis, tailor antibiotic treatment for maximum benefit, reducing the length of hospital stays and increase patient care.
• Serene Edge Mattresses: Alternating Pressure Mattresses will help reduce and prevent sore for Peace Villa residents. As the residents of Peace Villa are often frail, they aren’t always able to shift themselves in bed. Remaining in one position in bed for extended periods can lead to pressure sores, which are painful and a challenge to heal. These mattresses will help decrease pressure on specific points on the body where pressure sores develop and increase the comfort of residents.
• Butterfly Tables: With their four separate, adjustable surface areas, Butterfly Tables are easily adjusted to the needs of the individual using the table. This allows for residents of varying abilities and needs to share dining experiences, with increased independence and dignity while having their meals.

The Summer Scrap Metal Drive runs until September 12. For more information contact Mclean Welsh mclean.welsh@abcrecycling.com.