The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation is committed to raising more than $4.6 million for equipment and facilities at Nanaimo’s hospital.

At its recent annual general meeting, the foundation committed to raise $4 million for the Nanaimo Regional Hospital’s ER expansion over the next four years, and another $540,000 for the new Renal Dialysis Centre and $150,000 for Dufferin Place during the upcoming year.

It is also establishing three $1,000 bursaries for students going into nursing.

The fundraising for the ER expansion is one of the foundation’s longest campaigns. The only other comparable commitment is a three-year campaign for the Perinatal Unit.

Feron Walker, manager of annual giving and communication for the foundation, said the ER was expanded in 1991 to accommodate 15,000 visitors, but now sees about 49,000 annually, so the expansion is needed.

“It’s really super crowded, so it really needs help in there,” she said. “The ER doubling in size will be an incredible asset to the area.”

The entire price tag for the new ER is $36.9 million and will go to tender in the next few months.

Funds for the Renal Unit will support construction and the purchase of 12 dialysis machines. The new unit is expected to be finished by next fall.

Dufferin Place funding will go toward creating a reading nook, kitchen area and garden to improve the quality of life of the residents.

The foundation is excited about the newly established bursaries for graduating students in Nanaimo school district who are heading into nursing.

They were established through the Eileen Margaret Jackson Endowment fund, created by Jackson’s husband after her death. Jackson was a nurse and an advocate for education.

“Educating nurses would be a huge honour to her,” said Walker. “She was such an impressive woman, so committed and sharp.”

Walker said the foundation is also excited about the launch of a new website – www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com – that has new features enabling people to sign up for membership and donate to specific fundraising campaigns so they have a say about exactly what their money supports.

People can direct their money to fund the Palliative Care unit, critical equipment wish list, new Renal Dialysis Centre, Dufferin Place renovations, the ER expansion and others.

Walker said the foundation is lucky to have the support of generous individuals and businesses donating to the fundraising causes.

reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com