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Left to Right: Jeff Rogerson, Golf Professional and General Manager Osprey Links Golf Course; Tammy Morison, President & CEO NBRHC Foundation; Bradley Minogue, President, Osprey Links Golf Course, Mike Harris, Honorary Co-chair, Osprey Links Charity Golf Gala; Robert Steadman, Vice President, Foraco Canada; Real Brazeau, Regional Contracts Manager, Foraco International, Paul Heinrich, President & CEO, NBRHC
CALLANDER – The Osprey Links Charity Golf Gala, presented by Foraco, raised more than $77,000 towards the purchase of two new state-of-the-art SPECT/CT scanners, a major upgrade to the Nuclear Medicine department, to serve our community. Over the past 25 years, this tournament has raised funds for important projects in our community, with more than $625,000 supporting our community’s greatest medical equipment needs at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
Nuclear medicine is a specialized department within the Diagnostic Imaging Unit. SPECT (single-photo emission computed tomography) uses radioactive ‘tracers’ to diagnose diseases by imaging the function of organs and tissues, ensuring systems are functioning properly. The addition of CT in SPECT/CT allows for the fusion of anatomical and functional information, providing localization of the ‘tracer’. At NBRHC, SPECT/CT plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer care, cardiac care, orthopedics and more.
Guest speaker, Dr. Cameron Hunter, Radiologist, NBRHC shared a fascinating chronology and evolution of diagnostic imaging that highlighted the impact of community support. “Acquiring advanced medical equipment has been a community priority for many decades. From our community’s first CT scanner, to our MRI and now a transformation to our Nuclear Medicine department, people accessing diagnostic imaging at our hospital can be confident in receiving the best possible care,” he shared.
Tim Bremner, Chief Executive Officer, Foraco International, the presenting sponsor, helped launch the festivities during the opening ceremony. “We felt today’s tournament is a fitting way to give back to our community. With Foraco International’s leadership now based in North Bay, we are proud to be based here and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”
Honorary Tournament Co-chair, Michael Harris, former Premier of Ontario, opened the tournament with a ceremony on the putting green. “Twenty-six years, and more than $1M. The Golf Gala has had a significant impact on important causes that make North Bay and area an incredible place to live and play. The healthcare needs of the people in the region are always one of our top priorities,” he shared.
Bradley Minogue, President, Osprey Links Golf Course, emphasized the impact of the Golf Gala. “Today is a day my family and I reflect on the memory of my father Peter Minogue. Supporting his local community was important to him and it’s an honour to carry on the tradition he started. It gives me great pride to take a moment to acknowledge his many achievements, including this special day that is raising critical funds to support access to exceptional healthcare, close to home,” he shared.
Tammy Morison, President & CEO, NBRHC Foundation, grateful for the success and support of the Golf Gala shared “the proceeds from today’s tournament is helping our community approach the goal of raising $4.3M for the Nuclear Medicine upgrade. Healthcare is truly a partnership between our government, our hospital and most importantly, our community.”