Personal experience motivates major RBC fundraising effort
Surrey, B.C. - RBC Financial Group has set as a target a contribution of $450,000 in support of the development of a new state-of-the-art Emergency Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
RBC branches throughout the Fraser Valley intend to raise $300,000 by means of an annual Invitational Golf Classic tournament and other RBC staff-initiated activities. RBC has also committed, through its RBC Foundation, a further $150,000.
RBC's effort is led by Lorraine Rumberg, who is motivated by personal experience. "The doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital saved my father-in-law's life," says the VP and Branch Manager of RBC Dominion Securities in White Rock. "If it weren't for the remarkable staff at Surrey Memorial, he wouldn't be here with us today."
In January 2005, at the age of 75, Elmer Rumberg was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and given less than a year to live. The South Surrey resident sought a second opinion and was referred to Dr. James Bond, Head of Thoracic Surgery at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Following an examination, it was decided surgery could be performed. "I am now cancer free," declares Elmer Rumberg.
The golf tournament will be held at Northview Golf and Country Club on September 13, and will bring together more than a hundred RBC employees and clients.
"We are tremendously excited to have RBC as a partner in this important initiative," says Chris Midmore, Chair of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation's Emergency Centre Campaign. "Thanks to RBC's commitment, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of making our vision of a new Emergency Centre a reality."
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation has set a goal of $15-million for its Emergency Centre Campaign, which will be officially launched in the spring of 2007. The funds will supplement the $30-million the BC government has earmarked for Surrey Memorial Hospital's new Emergency Centre.
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For more information contact:
Jason Howe
Media Relations Manager
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca
