A local couple who, throughout their lives, have quietly supported the community in many ways, have made a $50,000 contribution to the MRI ‘Image Matters’ fundraising campaign.

Recognizing the great need for an MRI in our community, Petawawa residents Allan and Katie Huckabone said their decision to contribute in this way, knowing how many will benefit, was an easy one.

“Helping purchase an MRI for our region is the right thing to do and we feel it is a good cause,” Mr. Huckabone said.

While neither of them wanted the spotlight for their philanthropy, both recognized that hopefully by sharing their sentiments and stepping forward, others in the community will see the importance, understand the need, and do what they can to support the campaign as well.

Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation chair Bob Cotnam expressed great appreciation for the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Huckabone, noting that while the public campaign is in its early days, a gift like this really helps to kickstart the momentum and he hopes that others throughout the region will also recognize the importance of giving.

PRH president and CEO Pierre Noel said acquiring an MRI, and being able to provide the region with this important diagnostic modality, will really help to “propel us forward as a regional health centre.”

He added that having an MRI will be a cornerstone for getting new programs like orthopaedics, and said that as the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities increase, so will the potential for more locally-based state-of-the-art programs and services, as well as the talent and resources required to make them a reality.