Not even a global pandemic could hold back the generosity of the residents of the South Shore.

By the end of the 12-hour broadcast, the 2021 Gift From The Heart Radiothon on CKBW and Country 100.7 had surpassed its goal, raising $200,106.04.

The 11^th annual Radiothon raised funds in support of a new Ophthalmic Microscope for the Operating Rooms at South Shore Regional Hospital.

“The current microscope is well over 10 years old and is at the end of its life,” said Arleen Stevens, Executive Director of the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. “The Health Services Foundation and its Radiothon organizing committee are thrilled the community embraced all the changes we had to make to this year’s fundraiser in light of COVID-19. It truly shows how passionate residents from across the South Shore are about having the best healthcare available, essentially in their back yard.”

To keep in compliance with COVID-19 regulations, the Radiothon wasn’t held inside the regional hospital for the first time in its history. Instead, the event expanded across Bridgewater, to include the radio stations, an in-person donation area at South Shore Centre, a drive thru donation option at the Bridgewater PetroCan, as well as a satellite donation centre in New Germany, hosted by the local Lions Club.

The Ophthalmic Microscope will be funded with $147,000 of the funds raised. It will replace the current microscope, which is used in over 1,000 cataract surgeries, completed annually on the South Shore. The remaining funds will support the next piece of equipment needed by the Operating Department.

In 11 years, the Health Services Foundation’s Gift From The Heart Radiothon has nearly raised $1.4-million to support a variety of essential healthcare equipment at South Shore Regional Hospital! This feat would not be possible without the amazing support of our local community and Acadia Broadcasting Bridgewater.