ALLISTON, ON. - Stevenson Memorial Hospital and the SMH Foundation are pleased to announce that the campaign to raise $312,000 for re-opening and equipping of the Birthing unit has been completed in record time. This was achieved thanks to a major gift of $160,000 from the Nottawasaga Foundation, which capped the fundraising effort. The Nottawasaga donation was combined with the generosity of the Morningview Foundation, a matching donation from the Hospital, generous support from Simcoe South District Women's Institute, Bing and Audrey Gibson, the Alliston and Cookstown Lions Clubs, family and friends of Stephanie Fletcher and many other individuals, including anonymous pledges and donations.

The SMH Birthing Unit reopened on April 21, 2008 after a 16-month closure. The hospital worked towards a re-opening and enacted the recommendations of an Expert Panel appointed by the Ministry of Health and integrated Maternal Child services with Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket. Nurses refreshed their training, the Birthing Unit was refurbished and an Obstetrician was hired. To provide much needed equipment, a campaign to raise $312,000 was officially launched this March.

"This truly reflects the spirit of commitment and the generosity of our community and we are all very grateful for this inspiring outcome," said Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair of the SMH Foundation.

"With the re-opening of our Unit, the magnanimous donation of $160,000 from the Nottawasaga Foundation and the birth of our first baby, this has been a terrific week," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of SMH.

The Hospital and its Foundation recognize that each contribution from the community played a role in this great success.

"The support for this unit has been fantastic and for our community to raise the needed funds in a few short weeks, is nothing short of incredible," said Holmstrom.

"As we serve our growing community, Stevenson Memorial Hospital will always need and cherish the financial and moral support of its citizens. This campaign has demonstrated that we can depend on the community to share in a bright future for their hospital. We thank the SMH Foundation and everyone involved, for their tremendous efforts," Ryan stated.

Members of the Nottawasaga Foundation giving a cheque to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) with hospital administration, nursing staff and Dr. Alison Barrett who were all overjoyed with the donation. Funds from the Nottawasaga Foundation combined with other donations to complete the Obstetrics campaign in record time.

Left to right - Lorrie Reynolds, Director of the Maternal Child Program at SMH, Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Dr. Alison Barrett, Don Hickson, Nottawasaga Foundation, Claire Albright, Nottawasaga Foundation, Susan, Lou and Sylvia Biffis, Nottawasaga Foundation, Gary Ryan the Interim President and CEO of SMH, Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair of the SMH Foundation, George McCague, Nottawasaga Foundation, Sherry Guchardi, Clinical Coordinator of the Maternal Child Program at SMH and Punnapa Hartley, OB Nurse.