NHLer helps put MRI Campaign over $700,000 mark

YARMOUTH (July 9, 2005) – The first annual Jody Shelley Golf Fore Health event has helped push the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s MRI Campaign over the $700,000 mark. The goal is to raise at least $750,000 to ensure an MRI is located at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

The tournament and accompanying auction at the West Pubnico Golf and Country Club helped bring in over $29,000 and featured NHL tough guy Jody Shelley giving back to the community where he played minor hockey.

“It was such a fun way to help the community where I spent some great years,” Mr. Shelley said. “Knowing a little about injury and the importance of having access to the latest medical equipment, I am excited to see the MRI campaign doing so well. It will be a huge asset to the region.”

The Thompson, Man. native played his minor hockey in Yarmouth before moving on to captain the Halifax Mooseheads. He is now one of the leading enforcers in the NHL as a forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Equally excited was Hospital Foundation chairman David Arenburg.

“We are entering the final stages of the campaign and the community support has been overwhelming,” said an excited Mr. Arenburg.

Support by local businesses was a key factor in the tournament’s success, he added.

“The support of presenting sponsor Tri-Star Industries Limited and other sponsors such as L.G. Trask Insurance, Cook’s Dairy Farm Limited, AGFA, register.com, Tim Hortons,
Maricor, Subway, Seafoods Unlimited, Comeau Seafoods and Yarmouth Forklift helped make the event a quality, entertaining fundraiser,” Mr. Arenburg said.

The tournament was a 132-player shotgun team scramble format and will become an annual event.

“The support by Jody Shelley, sponsors and individuals helped ensure the tournament’s success,” said Tournament Chairman Dr. Alderic Legere. “We look forward to making this an annual event that will continue to help fund the needs of the hospital and the community well into the future.”

As donations continue to come in, the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is putting in place a plan once the MRI campaign goal is reached or exceeded.

“Funds in excess of the goal would allow us to cover expenses related to technical training, recruitment and support required to staff the MRI,” said Mr. Arenburg. “It could also enable the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation to fund additional costs associated with required upgrades to infrastructure associated with the MRI.”