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Yarmouth Hospital Foundation board member Kerry Cunningham was almost at a loss for words trying to describe the second-largest donation in the organization’s history.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s incredibly emotional, heartwarming \u2014 it just feels like something great is coming for something that has been needed and, man, it\u2019s just amazing,” Cunningham said Thursday in a phone interview.<\/p>\n
While multimillion-dollar contributions usually bring widespread attention, Thursday’s announcement of a $7.75-million gift was unique. Because the donor chose to remain anonymous, even Cunningham and most board members only found out a few days ago. <\/p>\n
Joy and relief<\/p>\n
Ann Jones, chair of the foundation\u2019s board, said discussions about the donation began earlier this year, though she declined to share whether the donor or a representative made the initial approach.<\/p>\n
Jones said the money will serve as the first contribution to an upcoming fundraising drive for the hospital\u2019s new emergency department.<\/p>\n
“We have our work cut out for us, but somebody has given us a boost,” Jones said by phone from Yarmouth.<\/p>\n
Fundraising on this scale is challenging, especially in smaller communities where multiple groups compete for support, she added. She said the unsolicited gift shows immense trust in the foundation’s work.<\/p>\n
“When this foundation is chosen, it\u2019s just a joy, but there\u2019s also relief to know that funding is coming to us because they want to give it to us, not because we went out and sought it.”<\/p>\n
Long time coming<\/p>\n
Yarmouth is the last regional hospital in Nova Scotia to get a new emergency department. The work will double the current space, improve privacy and infection control, and upgrade technology.<\/p>\n
Although the project was announced in 2020, the provincial government didn’t confirm construction<\/a> would proceed until 2024.<\/p>\n