[Huron County – October 20, 2026] As the Magnetic Moments campaign moves closer to bringing the first MRI to Huron County, Huron Health System is taking steps to ensure the project is positioned for success. On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of Huron Health System, presented a project and budget update to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors and campaign cabinet, outlining the need for an additional $1,000,000 in fundraising support. This adjustment brings the campaign's total fundraising goal to $7,500,000 and reflects changing market conditions affecting project costs. This additional funding request is driven by three distinct pressure points: Trade Tariffs & Supply Chain Volatility: Unforeseen shifts in international supply chains and recently imposed trade tariffs have significantly increased the acquisition costs of critical raw materials, specialized shielding, and core infrastructure equipment required for the facility. Inflationary Construction Pressures: Persistent inflation across the non‐residential construction sector has elevated labor rates, subcontractor trade fees, and baseline material pricing well beyond our initial contingency allowances. Anticipated Supply & Installation Costs: High‐grade medical diagnostic equipment, specialized HVAC/chiller systems, and precise interior buildout components carry rising delivery and technical integration expenditures. “We know that rising costs are being felt by families and businesses across our country, and healthcare projects are not immune to those pressures,” said Jimmy Trieu. “As we move forward with the project, we are working closely with our project partners to plan for construction, prepare to issue a request for proposal (RFP) and carefully manage costs at every stage. We are pleased to share that the MRI machine was purchased under budget, and we are continuing to make thoughtful decisions to make the most of the funds entrusted to us by our community. By planning carefully and accounting for the changing costs of construction and materials, we are working to put this investment on a strong financial footing and bring MRI services closer to home for the people of Huron County.” “In just 10 months, our community has shown up consistently and enthusiastically, raising nearly the original fundraising goal. This level of support is incredible,” says Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, Magnetic Moments campaign chair. “As tariffs, inflation and fuel prices dominate headlines and drive prices up, we are hopeful the community will continue to rally together and support this important campaign to help us cross the finish line.” Trieu reminded board members and the capital campaign team that “as the Magnetic Moments Capital Campaign continues to advance, AMGH remains fully committed to delivering state‐of‐the‐art diagnostic imaging to our region. While project planning and preliminary site preparation is progressing well, macroeconomic factors beyond our initial baseline projections have placed unprecedented pressure on our overall construction budget.” The Magnetic Moments Campaign has now reached $6,292,390.25, with $1,207,609.75 to go with the revised fundraising goal. Fundraising efforts will continue to build on the momentum within the community with several third-party events planned in the coming months across Huron County and generous donors stepping forward with gifts of stocks, pledges and donations of all amounts. “Projects of this scale are impossible without extraordinary volunteer dedication. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Foundation Board, the Magnetic Moments campaign team, and the various fundraising committees. Their tireless efforts, passionate advocacy, and relentless commitment to engaging donors across our community continue to inspire us all,” concluded Trieu. The capital campaign remains on a two-year timeline. Trieu shared the following key project timelines: RFP issuance Spring 2027 Construction start Fall 2027 First scan Spring 2029 If you have been waiting for the right moment to support the Magnetic Moments campaign, this is it. For more information or to make a donation, please visit: https://magneticmoments.amghfoundation.ca/.
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