Riverside Reaches $1.6 Million Lights, Camera, Diagnosis, Campaign Goal

July 11, 2026

Just over a year ago, Riverside Health Care launched an ambitious campaign to transform diagnostic care across the Rainy River District. Today, that vision has become reality.

Riverside is proud to announce the Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign has officially reached its $1.6 million fundraising goal, helping bring the Rainy River District's first MRI to La Verendrye General Hospital, along with new state-of-the-art digital radiography systems at both La Verendrye General Hospital and Rainy River Health Centre. The milestone was announced during Riverside's inaugural Golf Tournament at Kitchen Creek Golf Club, where supporters gathered and celebrated not just the successful conclusion of a campaign, but an investment in the future of healthcare.

Launched on April 30, 2025, the campaign inspired support from every corner of the Rainy River District and beyond. Local businesses led the way, representing the largest group of individual donors, while fundraising events, 50/50 ticket sales, public sector and community partners, service clubs, Riverside staff and auxiliaries, and individual donations all played an important role in the campaign's success. Children hosted lemonade stands, volunteers dedicated hours, and donors from across Ontario also contributed to bringing advanced diagnostic care closer to home. The campaign was further propelled by a transformational $1 million gift from the FDC Foundation - the largest single philanthropic donation in Riverside Health Care's history. Together, every contribution, partnership, and act of generosity helped make this vision a reality.

For Holly Kaemingh, Riverside's Director of Fundraising, the campaign will be remembered for the countless people who stepped forward to help make the vision possible.

"Watching this campaign unfold has been incredibly inspiring. Every event, every donation, every volunteer, and every conversation helped build momentum toward a shared goal," said Kaemingh. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who chose to support the campaign. This milestone belongs to everyone, and we're excited to see the difference these investments will make for our community."

With the fundraising goal achieved, Riverside is now focused on delivering the next phase of the project. Preparation work is already underway at both hospital sites, with installation of new digital radiography equipment progressing and expected to be operational before the end of the summer. Planning and construction are also advancing at La Verendrye General Hospital to create the space that will house the district’s first MRI, bringing advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home for patients throughout the region.

Kaemingh added, "The generosity of our supporters has made this next phase possible. Reaching our goal marks the successful conclusion of the fundraising campaign, but it also signals the beginning of exciting next steps. We're looking forward to seeing these projects move ahead as construction progresses, new technology is installed, and these incredible investments become a reality."

For patients and families, these investments will mean faster access to advanced imaging, improved technology, and fewer trips outside the district for diagnostic services. They will also support clinicians with enhanced imaging capabilities, helping improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and the overall patient experience.

Andrea Faragher, Director of Diagnostic Services, said the impact will be felt across the entire region. "The addition of new digital radiography technology and the future MRI service represents a significant advancement for diagnostic care across our region. These investments will enhance the quality of diagnostic imaging, improve access to care, and support earlier diagnosis and treatment, while providing our clinical teams with the advanced tools they need to make timely, informed decisions for the patients we serve," said Faragher.

While today's announcement celebrates reaching an important fundraising milestone, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in the Rainy River District.

For Riverside’s Board Chair Diane Clifford, the campaign will be remembered not simply for reaching its goal, but for what it says about the people who call this area home.

"The story of this campaign isn't measured in dollars, it's measured in people," said Clifford. "It is the story of a community that believed in bringing these advanced services closer to home and came together to make it happen. Every act of generosity became part of something bigger."

Riverside extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign. Every contribution, every act of generosity, and every show of support helped make this milestone possible. This achievement reflects the remarkable compassion, generosity, and commitment of the people and communities we are proud to serve.