On June 22, 2022, Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation volunteers, staff, and other guests gathered for the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, where they celebrated the conclusion of the organization’s most successful fundraising year to date. Throughout the 2021-22 fiscal year, more than $6.7 million was raised, which allowed the Foundation to invest over $6.6 million in equipment, programs, and education at NHH – impressive.
“With more than $6.7 million raised, it was a banner year,” says Wendy Ito, NHH Foundation Board Chair. “To achieve this during a normal year would be incredible, but to have achieved this while operating throughout a pandemic is truly extraordinary. We have our community to thank for this.”
Attendees at the Annual Meeting also 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 the learning topic, all speakers shared the same sentiment: a gratefulness for the community donations that supported their participation in these opportunities and allowed them to bring their learnings back to NHH to help improve the care available in our community.
Addressing the speakers, and the overall NHH team, Ito shared, “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 Annual Meeting also included a look to the future, with remarks from the Foundation’s Capital Campaign Chair, Hank Vandermeer, who shared, “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.”
In line with the Board’s By-Laws, the Audited Financial Statements as of March 31, 2022 were presented and accepted, auditors were engaged for the current fiscal, and the annual Election of Directors was presented. Outgoing Board Directors included Chair of Leadership Gifts, Blake Jones; Chair of the Planned Giving Committee, Kerry Lynch, and Past Board Chair, Jeff Gilmer. Joining the Board for the 2022-23 fiscal year are John Racine, who is steps into the role of Chair of the Planned Giving Committee, and Trent Gervais, who joins as a Director at Large.
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 Annual Meeting ended on an optimistic note, recognizing the significant capital investment needed at NHH in the near future and the dedication of the Foundation team in supporting this.
“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,” shared Cunningham. “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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
