A recent 10-day fundraising campaign to support the Port Hope Walk-in Clinic has raised a total of more than $189,000, including a generous matching donation from the Port Hope & District Healthcare Foundation. The campaign was spearheaded by Mayor Olena Hankivsky, with support from Councillors Les Andrews and Adam Pearson, and launched in partnership with the Port Hope & District Healthcare Foundation late last month.
These funds will enable the hiring of nurse practitioners to increase the hours and days the Clinic is open. The Clinic will also be introducing some mental health supports and services in the coming months.
“I stand before you today as a very proud Mayor,” said Mayor Hankivsky.
“This incredible result reflects the strong spirit of collaboration and care in our community. It has truly been a grassroots effort—from the Healthcare Foundation to the many volunteers, donors, and local businesses who stepped forward to contribute. I want to thank our summer student Daniel Diamond and other Municipal staff for their assistance. I express my heartfelt appreciation to all those in Port Hope and Cobourg who rallied behind this important cause.”
The campaign received outstanding support from local businesses and organizations, including major contributions of $10,000 each from Trade Tech Industries, Dancing Bee Equipment, Santos Auto Group, Mason Homes, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and partners, Ontario Power Generation, and Enbridge. Local fundraising efforts included community-led events such as book sales, donation boxes at storefronts, and a successful charity car wash organized by the Port Hope Police Service and Port Hope
Fire and Emergency Services. Additionally the campaign was also generously supported by a donation from Show and Shine for Spencer Devine, which will enable mental health awareness and services at the Clinic.
“A special thanks to those who answered my personal call,” continued Mayor Hankivsky. “The clinic provides timely access to care, fills gaps in access to primary care, leads to the avoidance of unnecessary emergency room visits, and plays an integral role in the local healthcare infrastructure.”
Matthew Clayton, President of the Port Hope & District Healthcare Foundation, reflected on the overwhelming community support:
“A couple of months ago, when we were discussing this proposal, we wondered whether we would get a response. What has happened since then has rendered me almost speechless. This is a shining light for our Foundation—a community that comes together and watches each other’s back. I am deeply grateful to the Mayor, Councillors, staff, and to Jemma Racine at the Foundation for making this happen.”
The Port Hope & District Healthcare Foundation will manage the matched funds to ensure they are directed to clinic operations that support sustainable, long-term access to care.
To learn more about the Foundation and to contribute to future healthcare initiatives, please visit porthopefoundation.ca/donate.
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
