Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 07/00) - The Stanton Hospital Foundation hopes to have about $30,000 more in its coffers after July 1 due to a 1.23 carat, emerald-cut diamond.

BHP Diamonds and Dia Met Minerals have donated five diamonds to the foundation that will be raffled off over the next five years. The current gem is worth more than $20,000.

"We're just getting it appraised but we're talking about a significant stone," says Sue Glowach, executive director of the foundation.

"The winner also gets a trip for two to the Ekati mine site, from which the stone came, and $1,000 in cash to have the stone set however they like."

The diamond, which has the word Ekati engraved on the girdle, will be raffled off July 1 at the Canada Day celebrations in Petittot Park, Glowach says. Tickets are already on sale.

It will be on display in several, yet-to-be-announced locations before then. The only announced location as of yet will be the spring trade show over Mother's Day weekend, where tickets will be sold as part of a mother's day card and ticket package.

"All the proceeds go toward buying critical care equipment for the hospital," Glowach says, adding, "We don't have anything targeted at this point."

As for the other four diamonds, Glowach doesn't even know what kind they are.

"There in safe keeping," she said. "I think it's incredible that (BHP and Dia Met) are showing a real commitment to all people in the Northwest Territories. The hospital impacts all people in the North."