Celebrating donors’ $6 million reimagination of interventional radiology at PRHC

On December 9, 2025, donors gathered at Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the PRHC Foundation and members of the hospital’s leadership team to celebrate the official completion of the Campaign for PRHC’s $6 million investment in interventional radiology (IR) made possible by the generosity of our regional community.

Guests toured the bright, modern spaces where PRHC’s IR team now performs some of today’s most advanced minimally invasive procedures. It was an opportunity to see the new, cutting-edge technology and better understand the impact that donations are having on patient care at PRHC.

“This is a transformative moment for patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Because of you, the Health Centre’s experts have the advanced tools and space they need to perform even more complex, minimally invasive procedures right here, while innovating for the future. Thank you!”

Interventional radiology is a fast-growing field. Dr. Fady Abdelsayed, PRHC Interventional Radiologist says, “Interventional radiology is the future of medicine. Using real-time imaging technologies such as CT, X-ray and ultrasound, we perform procedures through a tiny incision, using only needles, wires, and catheters. This means less pain, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional surgery. We’re so grateful to the donors for their generosity. Their support means we can deliver even better care in our region.”

The renovation and upgrade were made possible through a multi-year fundraising effort championed by grateful patient ambassadors, PRHC’s interventional radiologists, nurses and medical radiation technologists, hospital leadership, and donors from across the region. This collaboration raised an extraordinary $6 million to expand PRHC’s two existing IR suites, replace out-of-date equipment with state-of-the-art imaging technology, and add a third suite dedicated to rapid, high-demand procedures. The preparation and recovery area was also expanded to accommodate 14 patients instead of ten.

Before this advancement, PRHC’s five interventional radiologists, who work on a 24/7 rotation, were already performing more than 6,000 procedures a year. Now, on a typical day, they’re equipped to care for 20 to 25 patients suffering from critical conditions such as cancer, stroke, organ failure, bleeding and trauma, among others.

As a regional hospital, PRHC’s IR team supports a population of more than 300,000 people across Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Peterborough, and North Hastings County. With the new suites, PRHC is better positioned to meet the growing regional demand for minimally invasive care, enhance patient outcomes, continue attracting and retaining top medical talent, and pave the way for the future introduction of new minimally invasive treatment options.

“Donor vision and support have once again proven to be a driving force behind innovation at PRHC,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible for patients from across our region. Thank you so much.”

Hurry hard at Peterborough Golf & Country Club for a good cause

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club is hosting Curlers Care, a charity invitational in support of the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026
  • $300 per team + $150 donation to the PRHC Foundation per player
  • All skill levels welcome

Whether you’re a seasoned skip or have never curled before, this day promises to deliver fun both on and off the ice. You’ll be guaranteed two games and because sweeping builds an appetite, your registration includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

So, gather your family and friends, lace up those grippers, and get ready to slide into something meaningful…supporting world-class care at PRHC! See you on the ice!

To register, click here.

 

Support the PRHC Foundation with a festive touch

It’s that time of year again: D. McCulloch Events’ holiday pots are back!

Diana McCulloch, who also works in the PRHC lab, has launched her annual festive fundraiser in support of world-class care at the Health Centre.

This holiday, Diana will design and handcraft a seasonal arrangement in the colour palette of your choice: red, neutral, white, gold, or silver. Each arrangement is built in a 10-inch black pot, perfect for placing inside your own urn or displaying on its own.

The cost is $55 per arrangement, with a $5 donation from every pot sold going to the PRHC Foundation.

To place an order or learn more, please contact Diana by phone at 705-868-2770 or by email. 

Thank you, Diana and everyone who purchases a holiday pot, for spreading cheer while supporting exceptional care at your regional hospital.

Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses’ “Benny” in support of the Campaign for PRHC

If you’ve been looking for a new cuddly friend and a meaningful way to give back, meet Benny the Peacock. This adorable plush toy is available at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough (105 Park St. South)!

Benny isn’t just irresistibly cute. He’s a fluffy, feathered friend with a purpose. For every Benny sold in Bennett’s showroom, $5 is donated to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, helping support the campaign to reimagine health and care across our region.

So, the next time you stop by Bennett’s, be sure to pick up your very own Benny. You’ll be taking home a delightful stuffed peacock and supporting patient care at PRHC.

Step into the spotlight at Peterborough’s Got Talent

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services Inc. presents the fourth annual PTBO’s Got Talent on February 21, 2026, at Showplace Performance Centre. This community event will bring together music, dance and incredible local talent with proceeds supporting the Peterborough Regional Health Centre through the PRHC Foundation.

Auditions

If you’ve ever dreamed of performing on stage, this could be your moment. The show is open to performers of all ages, with two categories to choose from: under 18 and 18-plus. There will be three winners in each group and every contestant will receive a special gift just for taking part. Think you’ve got what it takes? Send your audition video by email by December 31.

Tickets

For those cheering from the audience, tickets are just $30, with $25 from every ticket sold donated to the PRHC Foundation. By joining in this unforgettable night of local talent, you’re also supporting the $70 million Campaign for PRHC to bring state-of-the-art technology, lifesaving new services, innovative care, and top healthcare professionals to your regional hospital. PTBO’s Got Talent is a great way to celebrate our community while helping shape the future of healthcare in our region. Purchase your tickets here.

Big impact with minimal effort: Gifts of securities

Imagine if you could support your regional hospital through your savvy financial decision-making. That’s the beauty of donating stock—it’s a smart financial move that maximizes your impact while giving you additional tax benefits!

What are gifts of securities?

Gifts of securities are donations of publicly traded appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment assets. Instead of making a cash donation, individuals transfer ownership of these securities directly to the PRHC Foundation.

What are the benefits of gifts of securities?

By donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to the PRHC Foundation, you’ll receive a larger tax credit and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full value of your shares—meaning you may be able to make a larger gift than you could have with a cash donation alone. If you’ve held stocks for some time and the value has appreciated, this form of giving is likely for you!

Plus, when you donate appreciated stocks, you don’t have to pay the capital gains tax that you would have incurred if you sold the asset instead. This means more of your donation goes towards making a difference in the quality of healthcare available at your hospital. You’ll receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the securities, which can be used to further reduce your annual income when filing your taxes.

For more information, please click here or email Lesley Heighway, President & CEO.

Celebrating you on National Philanthropy Day

Today, November 15, is National Philanthropy Day – a day to recognize the charitable activities that make a difference in our community. It’s a time to celebrate the generosity, compassion and commitment of those who give back, those who are “changing the world with their giving hearts”. Philanthropy takes many forms, from donations and volunteer hours to advocacy and acts of kindness. Every contribution makes an impact.

At the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, we’re grateful for your impact. Thank you to everyone who’s reimagining healthcare with their giving hearts, through the Campaign for PRHC!

“Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of philanthropy and what our regional community has made possible by reimagining healthcare right here, close to home,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway. “It’s the entire community coming together to make world-class care possible.”

Thank you for demonstrating the incredible difference that can be made when individuals, families, organizations and businesses – a whole regional community – unite in the spirit of giving. Your support is ensuring that PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff have access to the cutting-edge tools and technology needed to provide exceptional patient care at your regional hospital now and in the future – equipment not funded by the government. You’re fuelling innovation, bringing new lifesaving services to the region, helping PRHC attract the best and brightest experts, and inspiring solutions to critical hospital challenges.

Because of you, we’ve reached 84% of the Campaign for PRHC’s $70 million goal. This milestone reflects the joy of philanthropy, the power of community and what can happen when people come together to change their world with a giving heart.

Thank you! Together, we’re reimagining health and care for our region.

Connect through the Sharing Tree

The Sharing Tree is back for the 2025 holiday season. This special initiative was created to connect our community with PRHC and the $70 million Campaign for PRHC while spreading warmth, gratitude and hope throughout your regional hospital during this meaningful time of year.

When we first launched the Sharing Tree last year, the response was incredible. Donors, patients, doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers and community members came together to share their stories, express their appreciation and offer messages of encouragement. This year, we’re excited to continue the tradition and once again fill the Sharing Tree with notes that inspire and uplift everyone who passes by.

Here’s how it works…

In person:
  • Anyone with a connection to PRHC can write a message, story or note of gratitude on a paper ornament and hang it on the Sharing Tree. You can thank a care provider, share your PRHC story, send well wishes to patients, or simply offer a message of hope for the season.
  • You’ll find the Sharing Tree and a member of our Foundation team in the PRHC lobby every Friday from now until December 12. If you’re visiting the hospital, stop by to say hello and add your message.
Online:
  • For those who can’t visit in person, a digital version of the tree is available here. You can fill out an online form to share your message to our website, which we’ll print and add as a physical ornament to the tree.

Throughout the holiday season, all of the ornaments will end up displayed on the big Christmas tree in PRHC’s lobby, where doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers, patients and visitors can enjoy them all season long. We’ll also be sharing some of your messages on our social media channels throughout the holidays and into the New Year. And don’t be surprised if you spot the Sharing Tree around town as some of our generous business partners are joining in the fun.

The Sharing Tree is a simple but meaningful way to lift spirits, spread joy and remind everyone what community is all about. Join us and help make this season a little brighter through your connection to PRHC.