6-year-old Penticton girl Raises $8K for SOS Medical Foundation’s $10 Million Oncology Clinic Campaign
Lyla, a six-year-old from Penticton, played a significant role in the campaign, raising an impressive $8,000 through various business ventures this year to help fund the new facility.
On November 26, Lyla’s donation was formally presented at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. Her fundraising journey began on August 17 when she launched a lemonade stand, which alone raised $3,000. Inspired by her success, Lyla expanded her efforts by selling handmade bracelets and ornaments, further contributing to her total. Lyla’s Trim the Tree Fundraiser added another $5,000 to the cause.
Gerry Turchak, the owner of Brutus Truck Bodies, supported Lyla’s initiative by contributing $500 to her donation. In addition to his contribution, Turchak also made a generous $75,000 donation to the SOS Medical Foundation’s Giving Tuesday event, helping the organization surpass $371,000 in funds raised toward the oncology clinic’s expansion.
The expanded cancer care facility is slated to open on the third floor of the Penticton Regional Hospital in June 2025. According to Lissette Little, the director of development for the SOS Medical Foundation, more updates on the total funds raised will be shared in the coming weeks. As of April 2024, the foundation had raised $5 million toward its $10 million goal, set in 2022.
“We have an incredible community. We couldn’t have done this without them.” – Lissette Little
About The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation
The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (SOS Medical Foundation) was established in 1981, originally known as the Penticton Regional Hospital Medical Foundation. It was created by a group of local individuals dedicated to improving healthcare in the region by raising funds for medical equipment and staff education that could not be fully covered by government funding.
Over the years, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars for Penticton Regional Hospital and other healthcare institutions in the South Okanagan Similkameen area. Significant campaigns include raising $1.5 million for diagnostic and surgical equipment in 1998, as well as funding the construction of the Moog and Friends Hospice House with $2 million in donations.
In 1999, the Foundation expanded its mandate to support all hospitals in the region, recognizing the growing needs of the community. It remains committed to improving healthcare delivery through ongoing fundraising efforts and philanthropic support.
The Foundation now supports all hospitals in the region, including Penticton Regional Hospital. It successfully raised $710,000 for equipment at the new South Similkameen Health Centre in Keremeos and $50,000 for the expansion of Ridgewood Lodge and Princeton General Hospital.
-
ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
-
ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
-
Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
-
OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
-
Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023