NHH Foundation celebrates a landmark year

From left, Foundation Chair Wendy Ito, NHH President and CEO Susan Walsh and NHH Foundation Vice-chair Gavin Ivory

By Cecilia Nasmith

The big news out of the June 22 Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation Annual General Meeting is that the 2021-2022 year was their biggest fundraising year to date, with more than $6.7-million raised.

What this means for the hospital, the press release said, is that the Foundation invested an impressive $6.6-million-plus in equipment, programs and education.

“To achieve this during a normal year would be incredible,” Foundation Board Chair Wendy Ito said.

“But to have achieved this while operating throughout a pandemic is truly extraordinary. We have our community to thank for this.”

Foundation volunteers, staff and guests in attendance heard from members of the NHH staff and physician team who had participated in educational opportunities funded through the Foundation – from courses on wound care, to swallowing assessments, bone fractures and leadership team building. Regardless of topic, all speakers shared the same sentiment – gratitude for the community donations that supported their participation in these opportunities and allowed them to bring their new knowledge back to NHH to help improve the care available in our community.

Addressing the speakers, and the overall NHH team, Ito said, “These individuals go selflessly every day to help us, and they still say ‘we want to be better.'

“It’s incredible. I hope your team at NHH knows we appreciate you, and we have your backs. Thank you all.”

The meeting included a look to the future, with remarks from Capital Campaign Chair Hank Vandermeer.

“We look forward to everybody in the community taking an active role in keeping our hospital well-positioned to deliver high quality, modern care close to home,” he said.

Other business included presentation and acceptance of the Audited Financial Statements as of March 31, 2022, and the annual election of directors.

Outgoing directors included Leadership Gifts Chair Blake Jones, Planned Giving Committee Chair Kerry Lynch and Past Board Chair Jeff Gilmer.

Joining the board for the 2022-2023 fiscal year are Lynch's successor John Racine and Director-at-Large Trent Gervais.

Expressing thanks to the board for their dedication and guidance, Foundation Executive Director Rhonda Cunningham said, “The time and talent you bring to your respective roles makes us strong, and you should not underestimate the difference you make.”

In thanking the Board of Directors for their dedication and guidance, Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Rhonda Cunningham shared, “The time and talent you bring to your respective roles makes us strong and you should not underestimate the difference you make.”

The meeting ended on an optimistic note, recognizing the dedication of the Foundation team and its role in addressing the significant capital investment needed at NHH.

“With an even busier year before us, the team is strong, there is a calendar full of activities to look forward to, the stakes are high, and the hospital has exciting plans for its future,” Cunningham said.

“We know these plans will include the need for community’s support. That is where we step in and step up – now is the time we must shine, and we look forward to working hard as we set out on another exciting year.”

For more information on NHH Foundation and ways you can support NHH, please visit www.NHHFoundation.ca.