The Chatham-Kent Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Rotary Club of Wallaceburg and the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance have come together to launch a new Physician Recruitment Campaign for Chatham and surrounding areas.

Shae-Lynn Bourne was introduced as the Honourary Chairperson for the campaign, along with Co-Chairs, Greg Hetherington and Dr. Peter MacKinnon. A campaign goal of $2.7 million was announced. This will assist in the recruitment of 19 family physicians and 9 specialists needed for our community, as well as fund the Rosemarie Miller Scholarship Fund, which has been expanded to include applicants from the entire municipality.

Currently, 140 communities in Ontario are designated under-serviced by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Donors representing the entire municipality presented a total of $344,000 to Honourary Co-Chair Shae-Lynn Bourne. Sharon & Uffe Blok-Andersen, from Chatham, donated $20,000; ArvinMeritor from Tilbury presented a cheque for $5, 000; the Rotary Club of Wallaceburg donated $7,000; John Gibbons Ltd, Chatham, presented a cheque for $10,000; the South-Kent Investment Club from Ridgetown gave a cheque of $15,000; the Dr. Jim Richardson Endowment Fund from Tilbury committed $30,000; and Bill & Mary Dorssers from Blenheim, donated $100,000; Additional commitments including a gift from an anonymous donor totaled $157,000.