Thank you and happy National Volunteer Week 2024!

The work we do wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteers.

From the PRHC Foundation Board of Directors and Board Committees, to the Allied Professional Advisory Council and Campaign Council, from PRHC’s Gift Shop and office volunteers, to the organizers, participants and supporters of community events, to our Foundation ambassadors and personal fundraisers – we’re so grateful for your time, energy and skills, as well as your donations, in support of PRHC.

Thank you for your generous commitment to the PRHC Foundation, your hospital and your community! Together we’re shaping the future of patient care at PRHC.

“Where you heal helps determine how you heal.”

A severe mental health crisis led Ashley Webster to seek emergency care at PRHC. There she started to receive the tools she needed to make positive changes in her life. To say thanks for that care and inspire donations in support of other mental health patients, she’s sharing her story…

“Imagine a world that’s always dark, where every step feels heavy. To me, it felt like a never-ending night, where the light just couldn’t break through. When you’ve felt this darkness, you want to do whatever you can to stop someone else from feeling that same isolation.

During my treatment and recovery, my garden became my sanctuary. With the sunshine on my face and my hands in the soil, those difficult days felt a little brighter and easier to handle. But, like recovering from any illness, my journey to healing requires time and space.

Just like cardiologists and surgeons need the right technology to treat our bodies, mental health professionals need the right tools and facilities to treat our minds. That includes spaces that are specially designed for mental health patients: rooms with plenty of natural light, and secure outdoor areas that help patients heal in safety and in peace. Knowing how important my garden was to me during my darkest days, I became a PRHC Foundation donor to make sure others have healing spaces in their treatment for recovery.

Please join me in supporting modern mental health facilities at PRHC and be part of investing in the future of mental health care in our region.”

For more information or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.

Make hope and recovery possible

More people than ever before are seeking mental health care. Patient wait lists are growing and at PRHC, the spaces where mental health diagnosis and treatment take place are over 15 years old and aren’t designed to support today’s standard of care.

For example, current patients of PRHC’s Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) have no access to the outside even though their stays could be weeks or even months long.

We can help by funding modern, safe spaces where PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff will provide expert, compassionate care. With donor support, PRHC will invest $1.75 million to create a specially designed outdoor PICU courtyard to give patients access to natural light and fresh air, and support therapeutic best practices – helping shape the future of mental health care in our region.

For more information or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.

You’re helping hospital staff prevent burnout

In January, donations helped your hospital bring Dr. Jillian Horton, an award-winning medical educator, writer, musician, podcaster, and guest speaker, to an event attended by the Health Centre’s professional staff, including doctors, dentists, midwives and nurse practitioners.

Dr. Horton develops programs related to health and wellness and in 2020 she won the AFMC-Gold Humanism Award. At the PRHC event, she shared valuable knowledge on preventing burnout.

Burnout is a growing concern in the healthcare sector affecting staff, including doctors, the ability of hospitals to recruit and retain healthcare providers, and ultimately, the quality of care.

Donor sponsorship of this event shows PRHC’s professional staff that we stand with them, that we understand the importance of their work – and our role in supporting it – now and for the future of healthcare in our region.

Thank you, donors!

For more info about your impact or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.

Donor-funded, cutting-edge MRIs are a leap forward for patient care at PRHC

Every year since her breast cancer diagnosis almost ten years ago, Amy Semple attends a mammogram and MRI appointment at PRHC to monitor her health. This past year, her check-up was different for one big reason: Amy underwent an MRI in one of PRHC’s two new, state-of-the-art MRI machines.

Before her appointment, Amy learned about the benefits of the advanced technology, which produces detailed images of organs and structures in the body. The new equipment takes higher resolution images, faster, in a more comfortable experience for patients like her – representing a giant leap forward in patient care at PRHC.

“I’ve always appreciated the level of care I’ve received at PRHC and the big scope of donor-funded equipment needed to support my and other patients’ survival,” said Amy. “But seeing firsthand the new technology at this year’s appointment really highlighted the impact that donors have made in my life over the last decade. Thank you!”

The more recent installation of the second MRI unit, funded by a $2 million legacy gift, has allowed the hospital to increase diagnostic imaging capacity, performing an additional 6,000 scans since the new machine became operational.

PRHC Physician Chief & Medical Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Rola Shaheen, elaborated, “It’s having a positive impact on regional wait times. It’s increasing our overall efficiency and empowering us to offer a level of care not previously possible, including MRI-guided breast biopsy procedures, and better, clearer neurological, prostate and cardiovascular imaging.”

“We’re able to produce much higher quality images in less time,” she added, “while providing a significantly improved patient experience. With the support of donors, we can deliver the full spectrum of service needed to diagnose and treat disease, close to home.”

The estate gift that made this possible was from Dr. Anne Keenleyside, a highly respected Trent University professor of bioarcheology who passed away in October 2022 after succumbing to cancer.

PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, said Anne was inspired to invest in equipment and technology that support cancer care innovation: “Anne wanted her gift to connect her passion for scientific innovation with her desire to help the patients who would come after her. We’re so grateful for her incredible generosity.”

For more information on legacy giving or to donate, please call 705-876-5000.

AHP Ontario Roundtable – Collective Impact: Leveraging Major Gifts to Transform Healthcare

On April 24, healthcare foundation colleagues working in the fields of major gifts, campaigns and major gift leadership, will meet at the sold out AHP Ontario Roundtable to connect with peers from across the province for idea-sharing, collaborative discussion, and networking.

AHP Ontario Roundtable
Collective Impact: Leveraging Major Gifts to Transform Healthcare
  • Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
  • Time: 10:00am-1:30pm (includes lunch – please see below for the day’s agenda)   
  • Location: Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at 3200 Major Mackenzie Dr. W, Vaughan ON  L6A 4Z3
  • Tickets: THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT 
  • A parking voucher will be provided

Get ready to learn about new practices in our field, and let’s celebrate our collective impact. For more information or questions about the roundtable, please contact Laura Gordenier by phone at 705-743-2121, ext. 4189, or by email. 

Hosts
Lesley Heighway
President & CEO
Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation
AHP Canada Council Board Member
Tammy Morison
President & CEO
North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
Vice Chair
AHP Board of Directors
Nicole McCahon
President & CEO
Mackenzie Health Foundation
AHP Canada Council Board Member
Agenda
  • 10:00am: Arrival, coffee, and opening remarks
  • 10:15am-11:15am: Presentations
  • 11:15am-11:30am: Coffee break
  • 11:30am-12:30pm: Major gift and campaign panel discussion
  • 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch, networking, and table discussions  
Panelists
Luci Anderson
Vice President, Philanthropy
Mackenzie Health Foundation

Luci Anderson brings over two decades of exceptional experience and dedication to healthcare fundraising and development, with a distinguished tenure at Mackenzie Health Foundation since March 2011. Currently serving as the Vice President of Philanthropy, Luci embodies a donor-centric approach and strategic acumen that have been instrumental in her career.

Luci has extensive experience in relationship building, networking, team building, campaign management, and execution. She has played a pivotal role in steering the $250 million Ultimate campaign, the largest fundraising initiative ever undertaken by a community hospital in Canada. Through her collaborative efforts with a committed team and volunteers, Luci successfully realized the campaign’s goals, aimed to build and equip the new Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.

Grounded in a solid educational foundation in business and marketing, Luci’s journey began in the corporate sphere, where she honed her skills in strategic planning and business development. However, her passion for social impact and unwavering commitment to philanthropy led her to transition into the non-profit sector, where she continues to make a profound difference.

Luci’s involvement extends beyond her professional role, as evidenced by her active membership in esteemed organizations such as the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, underscoring her dedication to advancing within the sector and fostering collaboration within the philanthropic community.

With steadfast dedication to making meaningful contributions, Luci stands as a champion of excellence in healthcare fundraising, embodying the values of integrity, innovation and compassion in all her endeavours.

Kendra Clarke
Director of Philanthropy
North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation

As Director of Philanthropy at the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation, Kendra mentors and provides leadership across a team of ten. She has served the community in many ways, helping to advance medical technology and programs at NBRHC for the past 13 years.

During her tenure, Kendra directed the campaign efforts, engaging more than 25 community volunteers who raised more than $6.3 million during the Cancer Care, Close to Home campaign. Following this success Kendra spearheaded community engagement efforts in response to the pandemic. Currently she is working on several million in projects to help the community have access to exceptional healthcare, close to home.

Kendra volunteers whenever she has the chance. A three-time conference committee volunteer for AHP, she has a passion for our sector and the professional development that is an important aspect of ensuring our colleagues have access to education while enhancing career experiences and satisfaction. Locally, she serves on the North Bay Granite Club Board of Directors.

She has a postgraduate certificate in Fundraising & Resource Development from Georgian College and in 2016, she earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation. In 2022, Kendra was included in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40 professionals. She was an AHP scholarship recipient in 2022. 

Nicole Lamont
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
Trillium Health Partners Foundation

Nicole Lamont leads a team of dedicated fundraising professionals as part of a $500 million comprehensive campaign for Trillium Health Partners. She is responsible for all relationship based fundraising activity including transformational gifts, major gifts (individual, corporate and foundation), planned gifts, third party events and supporting functions including donor experience and research. This team is proud to have secured Canada’s largest gift of $105 million from Peter Gilgan and Canada’s largest corporate match gift of $75 million from Orlando Corporation.  

Nicole began her career at The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation in 2002 and has since held successive leadership roles in donor relations, transformational and major gifts. She played a key role in the amalgamation of The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation and Trillium Health Centre Foundation and was appointed to the executive team of the merged entity, Trillium Heath Partners Foundation, founded in 2013.

Nicole’s academic commitment to a career in professional fundraising began at The University of Western Ontario concluding with her post graduate diploma in Fund Development from Fanshawe College. Later earning her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2004 as one of the youngest Canadians to receive this distinction. Thereafter, she completed the Physician & Director Leadership program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, the Fundraising Leadership program at the Wisconsin School of Business and the Ivey Leadership Program at the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Steven MacDonald
Director, Development & Campaigns
Lakeridge Health Foundation

Steve MacDonald is the Director of Development and Campaigns at Lakeridge Health Foundation. His career in fundraising began at Queen’s University over 22 years ago. Prior to joining the team at Lakeridge Health Foundation, he held leadership roles at George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation and Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. 

Steve has a Master of Public Administration degree from Queen’s University. He volunteered as a “Big Brother” with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough for 10 years and has also served on several volunteer boards including ReFrame Film Festival and Peterborough Humane Society.

Lesley Ring
Chief Development Officer
Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation

A seasoned yet curious fundraising executive with over 25 years of progressive fundraising experience with regional, provincial, national, and international organizations, Lesley Ring is an accomplished organizational builder, with comprehensive fundraising experience and expertise. As Chief Development Officer at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation, she leads a dedicated team of fundraisers and works in partnership with distinguished leadership volunteers and a world-class clinical team to inspire investment in Southlake.   

Previously, Lesley had the privilege of working in the fight against cancer for 17 years in progressive positions with the Canadian Cancer Society, National Office and Ontario Division. With nine years as Vice President, Development & Marketing, Lesley led a comprehensive development portfolio including annual, community, major and planned gifts, while advancing the Society’s brand and mission reach. 

She holds an Honours BA from Queen’s University and an MA in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.

Presenters

Presentation: Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – The Successful Campaign for Canada’s First ‘Smart’ Hospital

Altaf Stationwala
CEO
Mackenzie Health
Nicole McCahon
President & CEO
Mackenzie Health Foundation

Presentation: Harnessing AI – Opportunities, Challenges and Practical Insights with ChatGPT

Julia Tompkins
Associate Director, Marketing
Oakville Hospital Foundation

Julia Tompkins, Senior Officer of Marketing at Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF), has over a decade of non-profit healthcare communications expertise. Since 2012, she’s led transformative digital initiatives, launching OHF’s email marketing program and driving digital marketing campaigns with up to a 1000% return on ad spend. 

Julia’s leadership is pivotal as OHF embarks on a $150 million campaign for priority needs over the next decade. With postgraduate education in public relations, advertising, and digital marketing, Julia combines strategic vision with tactical expertise. Her dedication to digital fundraising and innovation positions her as a leader in non-profit marketing. Julia’s achievements underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare philanthropy through purposeful, data-driven strategies, driving sustained growth for OHF.

Mental Health Spaces

Donate Today

Contact Us

If you want to learn more about this priority or would like to discuss how to support it, please contact us at 705-876-5000.

Making hope and recovery possible

PRHC stands on the front line of the mental health response for our region and our hospital has seen a surge in patients seeking mental health care. Last year, there were 3,437 patient visits to the Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Response Unit in the Emergency Department. That’s twice as high as it was a decade ago and those numbers are still going up. The hospital is also more than 15 years old and many of its mental health care spaces no longer meet the needs of this growing number of patients.

The reality is the mental health crisis is close to home. That’s why we must ensure the care we all deserve is close, too.

Fortunately, there is hope. New research and a better understanding of these invisible illnesses means that mental health and addictions are treatable. With the right system of expert, compassionate care and support, people can recover.

Just like cardiologists and surgeons need the right technology to treat our bodies, mental health professionals need the right tools and facilities to treat our minds. This includes modern spaces specially designed for mental health patients, that support therapeutic best practices and help reduce the length of time patients have to spend in the hospital: rooms with plenty of natural light and secure outdoor spaces where PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff can provide expert, compassionate care using advanced equipment, and where patients can heal in safety and in peace.

At the PRHC Foundation, we understand that where you heal helps determine how you heal. With community support, we can fund modern, supportive environments and help ease the pain and anguish of patients and their families during treatment.

You can help!

You can make a donation online, or for more information, please call 705-876-5000.

Thanks to your gifts, patients will be able to receive the life-changing care they need, close to home, and other centres will look to us as the gold standard in mental health care.
Jennifer Cox
PRHC Director of Mental Health & Addictions

Learn about our other current giving priorities:

Interventional Radiology Reinvestment