There are thousands of stories behind the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation’s MRI Campaign.
A patient hoping for reassurance. A family navigating an uncertain diagnosis. A doctor searching for the information needed to determine the next step in someone’s care.
Today, the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation (PSFDHF) is celebrating the successful completion of its MRI Campaign – an extraordinary community achievement that has fully funded the hospital’s MRI thanks entirely to the generosity of our community.
Together, approximately 2,100 donors contributed more than 3,200 gifts, raising an over $5.5 million for the MRI project. While the campaign’s original goal was $6.1 million, the project came in under budget, allowing the community’s generosity to fully fund the MRI at a lower cost than anticipated.
Through their generosity, our donors have shown what is possible when a community comes together, inspiring us to look ahead with confidence to the next chapter of local healthcare.
“On behalf of the Foundation, our hospital, and the thousands of patients whose lives have been touched by this campaign, thank you,” says Kristine Fair, PSFDHF Chair. “This was never simply about raising money for a piece of equipment. It was about making sure our community has access to the care it needs, close to home. Every gift, every donation, every fundraiser, every business that stepped forward, and every person who shared our message helped bring this vision to life.”
Since the MRI opened at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) in November 2023, thousands of patients have been able to access advanced diagnostic imaging right here, close to home. As of October 1, 2026, more than 9,315 patients have benefited from MRI services at PSFDH.
For those patients, that has meant fewer long trips to larger centres, less time away from family, work and home, and the comfort of knowing that important answers can be found in their own community.
The impact of the MRI continues to grow. In 2025, services expanded to include breast imaging, providing patients with access to advanced diagnostic imaging following mammograms. In response to growing community demand, MRI operating hours have doubled since its opening, allowing even more patients to receive care close to home.
Behind every scan is a person. Behind every person is a story. And behind every one of those stories is a community that chose to care.
“I can’t tell you how grateful we are for the support our hospital receives from the communities we serve. With our MRI project, the community answered the call, and we are thrilled to see the MRI Fundraising Campaign fully reach its goal in just three short years,” says Michael Cohen, CEO of PSFDH. “Our staff worked tirelessly to ensure the MRI was operational to serve the needs of the community as quickly as possible. At the same time, the Hospital Foundation also worked tirelessly to tap into the generosity within our community and achieve our fundraising goal. This accomplishment is humbling, momentous and also inspires us as we work to propel the hospital forward. On behalf of the staff, physicians and volunteers at the hospital, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
The completion of the MRI Campaign marks an extraordinary milestone for local healthcare and reflects what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.
The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the individuals, families, businesses, organizations, foundations and community groups who supported the MRI Campaign. A special thank you is also extended to the MRI Campaign Committee – Bruce Rigby, Chair; Jaana Brett; Dr. Warren Hollis; Tanya Jamieson; John Ruffo; Greg Best; Stan Blair; and Ann Trick – whose dedication, passion and countless hours helped move this campaign forward.
Thank you for believing in your hospital. Thank you for believing in your community. And thank you for helping make healthcare close to home a reality.