Generous donation from foundation to help WCFHT X-ray machine go digital

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Theresa Fritz

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Michelle Nash

Dick Lemmex (left) celebrates with his wife June Lemmex (centre) as they are presented with a $30,000 cheque from the Community Foundation of Ottawa president Barbara McInnes and Anita James, director of grants and communications and initiatives. The presentation took place Jan. 25 in the foundation's office in Ottawa. The funds will go towards the West Carleton Health Access Foundation X-Ray Vision Campaign.

EMC News - A healthy injection of funds has helped make the dream of bringing digital X-ray to West Carleton Family Health Team (WCFHT) a reality.

June Lemmex, chair of the fundraising committee for the West Carleton Health Access Foundation (WCHAF), was thrilled to receive a cheque for $30,000 from the Community Foundation of Ottawa Jan. 25.

"WCHAF is very grateful for this significant contribution which again demonstrates the generosity of the people of our city," said Lemmex. "With the addition of the Community Foundation of Ottawa's donation of $30,000, we now have the funds necessary to convert the unit to digital capability (Phase II) and acquire the software necessary to transfer X-ray images and reports to and from area radiologists (Phase III) by summer 2012."

HEALTH ACCESS FOUNDATION

The West Carleton Health Access Foundation was formed in 2010 to address the health needs of the West Carleton Community. Its first project was to replace the 30 year old X-ray machine at the West Carleton Family Health Centre.

The X-Ray Vision Campaign was launched in March 2011. By September 2011 the WCHAF had raised the funds to complete the Phase I purchase of a new analog X-ray machine which went into service in October.

The campaign's goal was to raise $350,000 to fund a high quality digital X-ray machine for the WCFHT.

Last November, with $130,000 raised, a new analog X-ray machine was purchased and replaced the 30-year-old one which was no longer functioning.

HELPING SINCE 1987

According to its website, the Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. Since 1987, the Community Foundation of Ottawa has been enabling generous citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community and to achieve their own charitable objectives through permanent, well-managed endowments.

The X-ray service at the West Carleton Family Health Centre is open to the public, not just clinic patients and a variety of services such as cardio tests are also performed in the department.

To learn more about the WCHAF and its fundraising efforts, visit www.wchaf.ca or contact Lemmex directly at 613-839-2582. Any donation about $25 is tax deductible.