Dave Robinson Memorial Fund cheque drawn up for the RIH Foundation after the 2019 golf tournament. (Image provided by Robinson family)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DAVE ROBINSON MEMORIAL FUND

Dave Robinson Memorial Fund targets portable ultrasound machine for RIH

May 12, 2021 | 5:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — Throughout this month the Dave Robinson Memorial Fund will be raising money for a new portable ultrasound machine at Royal Inland Hospital.

Dave Robinson was a dedicated hockey player, and his team mentality led to years of community volunteering. He passed away in 2017 after a battle with cancer, and his wife and family decided to honour his memory by raising money for hospital equipment.

The imaging equipment they’re gathering donations for this month is valued at $70,000 and will be used in the new patient care tower in Kamloops.

“Until you have someone that goes through cancer, you don’t realize that there’s a need.” Ernie Robinson said her family has grown passionate about fundraising for medical equipment to keep cancer treatments local.

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“I feel that for the size of Kamloops and the population that we have, we really shouldn’t be going to Kelowna,” she noted this was something they dealt with during Dave’s treatments. “If we can make life a little easier for those people that are going through cancer, this will really help.”

Over the years, the Dave Robinson Memorial Fund has hosted charity golf tournaments, and this year they’re raising money with a 50/50 draw and take-home dinner.

Shanah Skjeie, RIH Foundation Development Officer for Special Events, has been working with the Robinsons to get the 50/50 and dinner organized.

“They’ve changed this year because of COVID. Normally they do their golf tournament so we’re thankful for them doing this way, and making changes, and still providing the funds for us.”

RIH Foundation CEO Heidi Coleman said a donation of this size will be put towards the ‘Together We Rise’ Fundraising campaign. When the new patient care tower opens in 2022, the portable ultrasound machine will be used on the cancer floor.

“They’ve raised (money for) equipment before. They got a vein finder, and a rhino-laryngoscope. So really they’re an incredible group doing this all in the memory of Dave Robinson.”

As they work towards this third equipment contribution, Robinson said helping the city Dave was so passionate about has also helped their family heal after loss.

“You know, you can say ‘oh we live in a great town’ but it also comes from the people that are so generous in Kamloops.”

There are a couple options offered to contribute – 50/50 tickets are on sale until May 30 with the draw the following day, and people can also buy tickets for a four-course takeout meat at Colombo Lodge on May 28.

To donate or buy tickets, click here to access the RIH Foundation website.