The auxiliary recently learned it would receive a $50,000 donation for its pledge to purchase the equipment courtesy of the Rankin Cancer Run, a charity 1K/5K walk/run that takes place annually in St. Catharines. The donation has helped the local hospital auxiliary reach the $100,000 mark in its fundraising for the $250,000 unit.

"We're thrilled. We at West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary are blessed to have Tim Herbert champion our digital mammography campaign and take us in a new direction regarding community charitable donations," said auxiliary president Vera Woronchanka. "I find it incredible that Rankin Cancer Run is 100 per cent volunteers and is supporting the West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary, which is also 100 per cent volunteers. It's a great example of a community group assisting one of its own."

The auxiliary applied for funding through the run early this year. It learned about the run and potential funding from Grimsby resident Tim Herbert. Herbert, an assistant vice-president with CIBC, said many employees had been involved with the run, so he was aware of the opportunity for local funding. He used his contacts to link the auxiliary with the organizers of the run.

"I think it's important for people in our community to support our local hospital," said Herbert of his involvement. "The work done here at West Lincoln is tremendous and I am proud to be able to help out."

The auxiliary, said publicity director Carol Richmond, had originally hoped for a few thousand dollars. When they got the news it was $50,000, she said they were surprised, but thrilled.

"When they reviewed the report and saw the need with the new hospital being built ... they were pleased to be able to support this," said Herbert.

The $50,000 is just a portion of the $405,000 raised from last year's run to be donated back in the community.

"This is a very community-minded organization that is raising money in Niagara and putting it all right back into Niagara," said Herbert, explaining all funds raised are donated to various causes throughout Niagara Region.

Herbert said next year's run will be held the third weekend of May, and he encourages Niagara West residents to participate in order to help fund projects such as the digital mammography unit. Information on the event can be found online at www.rankincancerrun.com.

With the big boost from Rankin Cancer Run, the auxiliary now continues to raise funds for the unit. The provincial government does not fund hospital capital expenses, such as equipment, so it is up to fundraising groups to raise funds for equipment purchases.

The auxiliary will continue to request donations from the community for the unit, which will update the hospital's equipment and allow them to utilize digital data rather than have to rely on hard copy films. Their pledge to raise the funds was over a five-year commitment.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or wanting further information can call the auxiliary office at 905-945-2253, ext. 391.