As the construction of the Leader capital expansion project nears completion so does the fundraising for the facilities new furnishings and equipment.

According to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, they're around 90 per cent of the $1.4-million funds they hoped to provide for the interior work.

Clay Thompson, executive director with the foundation, said he's excited they've almost reached their goal, as they will then hand the funds over to Brenda Schwan the lead on the project.

"It doesn't do any good to have a brand new building if you can't put equipment in it," he explained. "I think she would probably say she's excited the money is going to be available to furnish it properly when the time comes."

Thompson said it is a very pleasant surprise to him, to see the funding is near complete with roughly six months of construction still left on the facility.

"The folks up in that neck of the woods are anxious to see the facility finished and open," he stated. "They've been very helpful in helping us [almost] reach our goal."

The $12.5-million project is slated to be complete sometime this summer and will be renamed the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility upon completion.