PRHC Foundation volunteers bring Sharing Tree project to life to connect the community and support PRHC

The PRHC Foundation reImagineers, a group of ambassadors passionate about their community, regional hospital and the Campaign for PRHC, have launched a heartwarming project called the Sharing Tree.

This holiday season initiative invites community members to rally around our regional hospital by sharing their connections with PRHC – whether it’s a story of exceptional care, a cherished memory, or a message for PRHC’s doctors, nurses, staff and patients.

“We hope that by sharing our own stories, we can inspire others to reflect on their connections with the hospital,” says Lisa Couture, a reImagineer, donor and owner of Couture Candy PTBO. “Each message on the Sharing Tree serves as a reminder of the care, compassion and support that bring us all together.”

The project launched Saturday, November 23 at Lisa’s shop in downtown Peterborough. The idea is simple but powerful: anyone with a connection to PRHC is encouraged to write down a message, story or words of encouragement on an ornament, which will then be placed on the Sharing Tree. Lisa celebrated the launch of the tree with her own fundraiser in support of the PRHC Foundation: from now until December 24, 2024, $1 from each $19.99 mixed candy bag will be donated towards the Campaign for PRHC.

“We’re grateful for the dedication of the reImagineers and their work to connect the community and hospital in such a meaningful way,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. “The tree will spread warmth and encouragement through the community, then bring cheer to the hospital over the holiday season, while supporting the Campaign for PRHC.”

The Sharing Tree will travel to locations around the region and will come ‘home’ to PRHC in time for Christmas. The heartfelt messages will be on display in the hospital where doctors, nurses, staff and patients can find inspiration from each shared story. There’s also an online version of the tree, making it easy for everyone to take part. As the tree makes its physical journey around the area, website visitors can add their messages digitally.

“Help us decorate the tree with hope, warmth and gratitude,” says Nick Beamish, a reImagineer, grateful patient and donor. He and his fellow reImagineers are committed to supporting the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC. They’ll continue to develop initiatives throughout the campaign that will engage and inspire the community to think about their connections to the hospital and give in support. PRHC serves a population of up to 600,000 and relies on community donations to fund the tools needed to save and change patient lives.

To see an ongoing list of locations where the tree will be stopping this holiday season, visit the Sharing Tree webpage and stay tuned to our social media for updates. Thank you to our Sharing Tree partner locations and all participants for contributing to our Campaign for PRHC efforts!

Photo: From left, PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway, Matt and Lisa Couture, Susan Dunkley, Noah Crowley, Nick Beamish and son Luke, Jess Crowley and son Theo, and Darryl Porter. In front is PRHC Foundation Manager, Community Giving & Engagement Jane Lovett with son Sam.

Giving options during the Canada Post strike

During the postal strike, we want you to know that our commitment to reimagining health and care in our region remains strong. Through your support of the Campaign for PRHC, we’re transforming healthcare by fuelling innovation and bringing new, lifesaving services to our region.

There are other convenient ways to give today. Please consider making your donation…

  • Online: By clicking here or the “Donate Now” button at the top right hand of your screen
  • By phone: Call us at 705-876-5000
  • In person: Stop by our offices inside PRHC – Enter through the main doors, pass the cafeteria, and follow the hall to your left to office W4770 (4th floor, next to the main visitor elevators). We’re here Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

If you’ve already given this season, thank you for empowering world-class care, close to home.

 

Celebrating National Philanthropy Day and all that donors make possible at PRHC

Today marks National Philanthropy Day, a time to honour those who demonstrate the spirit of giving and are helping us reimagine healthcare.    

Philanthropy fuels our mission at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and inspires our dedicated team everyday. Because of your generous support, our colleagues at PRHC are able to expand services, create a healing environment for patients, and use state-of-the-art technology.    

Earlier this year we launched the $60 million Campaign for PRHC, our most ambitious initiative yet. With our growing population and the volume of patients on the rise, support is necessary so our hospital colleagues can continue to provide excellent patient care.   

“Many people are surprised to learn the government doesn’t fund hospital equipment,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Your donations are vital to helping PRHC continue delivering world-class care with up-to-date technology.”   

Heighway announced that because of the community’s generous ongoing support, the Foundation has now achieved 82% of its campaign goal to date. “This is wonderful,” Heighway said. “Thanks to our donors who continue to rally around our hospital, the campaign has now reached over $49.5 million raised.”

PRHC is already seeing the benefits of this ambitious campaign. The hospital has introduced two new CT scanners and an additional MRI machine which are allowing doctors to provide patients with faster diagnoses, follow up and treatment. Your gifts have also helped bring new minimally invasive technology to the Operating Rooms and trauma equipment to the Emergency Department to support lifesaving care.  

Construction is underway on a secure, outdoor courtyard for patients in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Currently, patients in the PICU have no access to the outside. This courtyard will give them a place to get fresh air, visit with family, and receive compassionate care. 

With your continued investment, we’ll also bring digital pathology to our region. This groundbreaking technology will allow the lab team at PRHC to get vital diagnostic information into the hands of doctors sooner. “With chronic diseases like cancer on the rise,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC, “now is the time to make a difference. Your support can help fund innovative digital diagnostic tools, supporting early detection and lifesaving treatments.”    

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Mikula added. “There’s so much more we have planned, and together, we’ll increase access to care for everyone while creating a top-notch environment doctors want to work in.” 

On National Philanthropy Day, we want to thank our community of supporters who champion healthcare everyday. Together, we can continue reimagining health and care, for a brighter and healthier future.   

Holiday urns in support of patient care at PRHC

This holiday season, why not buy something that benefits both your porch and your hospital? Diana Mcculloch from the PRHC Lab and D. Mcculloch Events is back this year with her festive holiday urn fundraiser. 

The 10″ pots feature fresh greens and your choice of red, white, gold, silver, or neutral-coloured accents. When you buy a holiday urn from Diana, $5 will be donated to the PRHC Foundation in support of empowering world-class patient care, right here, close to home. 

To place your order or learn more, email Diana. 

Thank you Diana and customers for your merry support! 

Give local this holiday season in support of PRHC

A selection of products on offer through Living Local's corporate gifting, including a cozy knit blanket, peppermint bark, hand soaps, candles, cider, and hot cocoa.
A selection of products on offer through Living Local's corporate gifting, including a cozy knit blanket, peppermint bark, hand soaps, candles, cider, and hot cocoa.

This holiday season, Living Local Marketplace has teamed up with Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of reimagining health and care at your regional hospital! 

When you build a corporate gift box for a client or colleague, choosing from over a dozen curated holiday items sourced from across the province, $1 will be donated to the PRHC Foundation and Hospice Peterborough. 

All corporate gifts are completely customized, and Living Local Marketplace owner Alicia Doris and her team are there to help with ideas and inspiration every step of the way. Read the holiday gift guide here or shop in-store at Chemong Rd. and Milroy Dr. in Peterborough, Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-5pm.

Thank you Living Local Marketplace and customers for your festive support! 

Your hospital, your story: Inspire your community as a campaign ambassador

To volunteer as a Campaign for PRHC ambassador, please reach out to Valerie Gagnon, Charitable Giving Advisor, by email or call 705-743-2121, ext. 4184.

We’re looking for dedicated community members like you to make a positive difference and inspire others by becoming volunteer ambassadors for the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC – the largest fundraising initiative in our history.

Your participation will encourage others to think about their own connections to PRHC, show them how to get involved in the campaign beyond their generous donations, help rally their colleagues and loved ones to join, and raise awareness about the incredible impact we can all make together. Volunteers and donors are at the heart of what we do. With your help as an ambassador, we can ensure that our hospital continues to deliver the exceptional care our region deserves.

There are so many ways to get involved in the campaign!

  • Share your patient or donor story
  • Volunteer or speak at events
  • Host an event
  • Organize a fundraiser
  • Create a cause marketing initiative
  • Sponsor the campaign
  • Network on behalf of the Foundation
  • Suggest another way to support the campaign

Your involvement will inspire participation and connection, fundraising for the state-of-the-art technology used to save lives, and ultimately a healthier, stronger community. This is a chance for us all to give back to the hospital our community built, that’s been here for us when it matters most.

To volunteer as a Campaign for PRHC ambassador, please reach out to Valerie Gagnon, Charitable Giving Advisor, by email or call 705-743-2121, ext. 4184.

Download a copy of the PRHC Foundation’s related media release. 

Feature photo: Charitable Giving Advisor Valerie Gagnon at PRHC’s Health & Wellness Fair on September 26 where she chatted with PRHC staff about how to get involved with the campaign.

Inset photo: Members of the PRHC Foundation team were honoured to meet so many community members inspired to share what PRHC means to them at The Local Show organized by the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, hosted at Lansdowne Place on September 14. Left to right are Lesley Heighway, President & CEO; Jane Lovett, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement; and Hanna Méthot, Community Giving & Engagement Coordinator.

Record-breaking donation from Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

On October 9th, the PRHC Foundation proudly hosted this year’s Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival gift announcement. Together, the Festival’s host team, Survivors Abreast, the Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, Platinum Sponsor Kawartha Credit Union, paddlers, volunteers, and supporters, presented the Foundation with a record-breaking donation of $312,025.18 – the largest single gift in the Festival’s history!

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WATCH: Together, we’re reimagining health and care at our hospital

The $60 million Campaign for PRHC is the largest fundraising campaign in Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s and the PRHC Foundation’s history. Our community’s support of the campaign reflects our shared belief that we can’t afford to let the standard of care we’ve all helped establish slip away. Together, we’re reimagining health and care at our hospital by:

  • Empowering world-class care close to home
  • Fuelling innovation and introducing new lifesaving services to our region
  • Attracting top healthcare professionals
  • Inspiring and supporting solutions to critical hospital challenges

Watch the video to hear more!

Lakefield & District Lions Club launches Collaboration 50/50 Cash Raffle

On September 16th, the Lakefield & District Lions Club launched their new Collaboration 50/50 Cash Raffle! PRHC Foundation is excited to be one of the selected beneficiaries, alongside Kawartha Food Share, Community Care, and the Lakefield & District Lions. Raffle funds donated to the PRHC Foundation will empower world-class care at PRHC by fuelling innovation and bringing new, lifesaving services to our region. 

Ontario residents, 18 years of age or older, can purchase 50/50 tickets here. The draw will take place on November 15th. (License Number RAF1404060)

Help bring the best the world has to offer to our doorstep

Guided by Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s vision, led by campaign volunteers, and made possible by donors like you, we’ll propel innovation and transform care at our hospital through the Campaign for PRHC. Together, we’ll help advance the following areas of care: 

Cardiac Care – $11 million

Donor support is helping unlock opportunities and put the people, infrastructure, systems and programs in place to allow world-class cardiac care across the spectrum.

This includes building and equipping a new cardiac electrophysiology lab that will allow the cardiac care team to diagnose and treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms at PRHC for the first time in its history. These patients will no longer have to travel to hospitals as far away as Toronto or Kingston for lifesaving treatment.  

Cancer Care – $12 million

Donations are empowering experts to treat more patients with more cancer types, support earlier diagnosis, and ensure more effective treatments, close to home.

These life-changing advancements include digital pathology, a state-of-the-art, artificial intelligence supported laboratory technology that will help complete repetitive, time-consuming tasks in minutes instead of hours, so doctors can make diagnoses and treatment decisions sooner. 

PRHC will also expand pediatric cancer care, with a space designed for the expert delivery of cancer care to children. This will help keep vulnerable patients from becoming sicker, while lessening the big emotional and financial burden faced by families when they have to travel for their child’s lifesaving treatment.

Minimally Invasive Intervention – $14 million

Your gifts are allowing doctors, nurses and staff to treat patients with multiple life-threatening conditions – safely, quickly – in state-of-the-art new facilities like a hybrid operating room (OR). 

The advanced technology in a hybrid OR allows specialized care teams to perform multiple open and minimally invasive operations on the same patient, on the same day, in the same room. This means safer, more comfortable care and better results for a patient who would otherwise need multiple surgeries with months-long recovery time in between, if their health would even allow it. 

Mental Health – $4 million

Donors are helping to create healing environments and address increasing demand for care with modern mental health spaces. 

New areas at PRHC will include a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) courtyard – a safe, supportive outdoor space for some of the sickest patients in our hospital. PICU patients currently can’t go outside even though their stay could be weeks or months long. Research shows time outdoors improves outcomes and reduces length of stay in hospital, as well as the use of antidepressants.

PRHC will also help meet growing demand for psychiatric emergency care by expanding and improving the Crisis Response Unit in the Emergency Department. Increasing the size of the space will create a waiting area especially for children and youth in crisis and their families, as well as an accessible washroom with a shower, and a secure, short-stay area for high-risk patients who need enhanced nursing care. 

Urgent Needs – $17 million

Your gifts are enabling PRHC to respond quickly to the top emerging priorities each year, in areas like the Emergency Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Breast Assessment Centre. 

Physician Innovation Accelerator Endowed Fund – $2 million 

Donations are helping PRHC invest in physician-driven research and creativity that will result in game-changing advances in patient care. The hospital will equip several doctors a year with the support to design, apply and evaluate their innovations. Not only will this benefit patients by helping them get out of hospital and back to their lives sooner, but it will also help PRHC attract and keep top-notch physicians.