The 6th Annual Farquhar Chrysler Charity Golf Tournament raised an all-time high of $34,202 this year in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
The funds will be used to purchase an isolette (incubator) for the NICU.
The NICU at NBRHC accommodates eight newborns, cares for acutely ill neonates and their families, and is a high-risk referral centre for areas surrounding North Bay.
Over the past five years the Chrysler golf tournament has raised more than $58,000 and helped fund:
- Two cardiac monitors
- A syringe pump – important for giving delicate and accurate medication and feeds
- CPAP – (helps babies breathe)
- A Cribette – keeps preemies cozy
- A Billiblanket for the effective treatment of jaundice
Dennis Murphy, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Caitlyn have a personal reason for organizing the tournament each year. “The hospital was there for us when Caitlyn was a baby and our experience at that time inspired us to give back to the NICU. We also feel it’s important that the funds stay local, which is why we ensure proceeds from this annual golf tournament support our hospital,” says Murphy.
“We thank the individuals and businesses in North Bay that support us every year, so we can continue our ongoing support of children and babies.”
North Bay Chrysler Owner and Dealer Principal Ryan Farquhar says the golf tournament allows the Chrysler Family to focus on the importance of health care and funding medical equipment, which is not paid for by the province. “Each one of us will at some point need our hospital. The NICU is a high-risk referral centre for areas surrounding North Bay. Since our new hospital opened in 2011, over 1,400 babies have been helped during their most critical time of need. Nurses provide round the clock care to our hospital’s tiniest patients,” says Farquhar.
“Dennis Murphy, his family and the Farquhar Chrysler Family help make this golf tournament a success every year. This tournament has grown immensely because of their hard work and excellent recognition of their sponsors and supporters. Our tiny patients and their families are grateful for their donation,” says Tammy Morison, President and CEO of the NBRHC Foundation.
