(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
On June 18, 2025, Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation volunteers, staff, and other guests gathered at NHH for the Foundation’s Annual Meeting. Gratitude was the key theme of the evening as presenters and attendees reflected on the past, acknowledged community generosity and individual dedication, and looked towards the year ahead.
Wrapping up a remarkable year, Board Treasurer, Ian MacVicar, announced more than $5.6 million raised during the 2024-25 fiscal. He also shared more than $4.6 million was invested in new equipment, technology, renovations, and staff education initiatives, and in December 2024, the Foundation committed up to $16.9 million to support several major capital projects launched by the Hospital, which are expected to be completed over approximately 18 months.
Key highlights for the year were shared by Foundation CEO, Rhonda Cunningham, and included the conclusion of the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care Campaign; more than $80,000 raised through third party events; and milestone moments for Light Up a Life, Wine & Ale in the Park, and Family Christmas at the Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm, which all celebrated their most successful year to date.
“We are here to support the Hospital,” stated Cunningham. “We are here to support our community, and we do this in a number of ways. We invest in equipment, we invest in education, and we help improve the patient experience.”
Cunningham went on to introduce four guests, including two NHH staff members, a physician, and a former patient, who shared their firsthand experience in benefiting from Foundation support. Their gratitude towards community donors was palpable.
“It’s an honour to tie the final ribbon around a year that so abundantly demonstrated the profound commitment of all the stakeholders in the Northumberland community striving together for the best healthcare possible,” shared outgoing Board Chair, Gavin Ivory, in his closing remarks.
In addition to recognizing the generous community, Ivory acknowledged and thanked key players who contributed to the Foundation’s success, including: his dedicated fellow Board members, the numerous volunteers who give their time to the organization, the diligent Foundation staff, and the committed and collaborative NHH leadership and team.
In line with the Board’s By-Laws, the Audited Financial Statements as of March 31, 2025, were presented and accepted, auditors were engaged for the current fiscal, and the annual Election of Directors was presented. The Board recognized one outgoing Board Director, the Chair of Governance and Human Resources, Rick Miller, who had served on the Board since 2016. Joining the Board for the 2025-26 fiscal year was Ann Mitchell, who will step into the role of Chair of Governance and Human Resources.
With Ivory’s term coming to an end, new leadership was welcomed for the 2025-26 fiscal at the first meeting of the new Board, immediately following the Annual Meeting. Moving into the role of Chair was Carrie Low, who joined the Foundation’s Board in 2017. Denise O’Brien, who joined the Board for her second time in 2019, moved into the Vice-Chair role, and Ian MacVicar, who joined the Board in 2020 continues to serve in the role of Treasurer. Ivory will serve as Past Chair for one year. Biographies for all Directors can be found at 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
