PEMBROKE (ON) – The Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation (PRHF) formally launched the public phase of its MRI fundraising campaign Thursday, having already secured half of the fundraising goal. “Now we are stepping into the spotlight,” said Bob Cotnam, Chair of the MRI: Image Matters campaign and the PRHF. “We have been touched by the generosity in helping to realize this goal so far. From in-memoriam donations, to large private gifts, and ongoing pledges and partnerships, we are fortunate that our community is so dedicated to improving healthcare for all in Renfrew County.” Both past and present PRHF Image Matters campaign team members worked quietly with partners to secure the $2.25 million prior to going public with the campaign launch. While the provincial government will provide the annual operating costs for the equipment ($800,000), it is up to the local community to raise the $4.5 million needed to purchase and install an MRI. To do so, MRI: Image Matters will now fan out across the Ottawa Valley to engage the public and bring comprehensive healthcare closer to home. The first fundraising event will be the seventh annual Black and White Gala held in support of MRI, October 13, 2012 at the Normandy Officers’ Mess at CFB Petawawa.