Business Cares: Empowering local businesses to give back

On April 28, the PRHC Foundation, alongside partner Hanoi House, announced the launch of Business Cares. This new partnership program is designed to help local businesses support patient care at PRHC while strengthening connections with their customers, employees, and community.

The launch marks an exciting new opportunity within the Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC, inviting businesses across the region to play an active role in helping advance healthcare close to home. Business Cares makes it easy for companies to integrate giving back to their community into their own engagement and fundraising goals, while aligning with their values and building their brand in meaningful, authentic ways. Partners also gain exposure through PRHC Foundation’s communications channels, while becoming part of a trusted network of businesses.

“Business Cares is about creating a strong connection between community-minded businesses and the future of healthcare in our region,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “We know that the area’s businesses care deeply about the communities they serve. This program offers a simple, flexible way to turn that care into impact. They’ll help PRHC Foundation fund lifesaving equipment and technology, and strengthen relationships with their teams and customers. We’re grateful to Hanoi House for joining the program and helping to bring it to life, including this launch.”

Whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, running a point-of-purchase promotion, becoming a sponsor, or making a direct contribution, businesses can support in ways that fit their unique goals and be part of a cause that touches everyone in our region, across generations.

For Hanoi House owner Susan Tung, joining Business Cares is a natural extension of the restaurant’s longstanding commitment to community. “Being part of PRHC Foundation’s Business Cares program is a meaningful way for Hanoi House to give back to the area we love and call home, while strengthening our business,” said Susan. “Supporting our regional hospital is an investment in the health of the community we serve every day, including our customers, our team, and their families. That involvement has created a real sense of pride among our staff and patrons.”

Hanoi House has supported PRHC Foundation over the past several years through their own fundraising initiatives, including a dumpling drive and pop-up buffet that raised more than $3,000 for patient care. Becoming a Business Cares partner formalizes that commitment.

As a regional hospital serving more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding counties, PRHC relies on community support to fund the state-of-the-art equipment and technology needed to deliver exceptional care. With the launch of Business Cares, PRHC Foundation is inviting businesses of all sizes to join a trusted network committed to community impact. For more details on the program and how to get involved, please visit our dedicated Business Cares page.

Smile Cookie makes a return to PRHC April 27-May 3

From Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, the scrumptious Smile Cookie returns to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre cafeteria’s Compass Canada Tim Hortons location – they’ll be serving up those famous chocolate chunk smiles all week long (while supplies last).

These cookies are more than just a delicious treat. Each one, topped with a pink icing smile and bright blue icing eyes, helps make a real difference. 100% of proceeds from Smile Cookie sales at this location are donated to the PRHC Foundation, funding essential equipment and technology that empowers life-changing and lifesaving care at our regional hospital.

A big thank you to Compass Canada Manager, Warren, and his amazing team for bringing this initiative to life year after year. And to every supporter, thank you! Each cookie purchased helps turn a small moment into big, meaningful impact.

If you’re at PRHC, please grab a cookie, share a smile, and help us make this week extra sweet!

The innovative technology of a donor-funded hybrid OR isn’t optional, it’s essential

As a Level 2 vascular centre serving a regional population of 600,000, Peterborough Regional Health Centre is ready to raise its level of excellence in vascular care with a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room (OR). It’s a $6 million priority of the Campaign for PRHC that’s essential to patient care and donors can help bring it to our hospital.

Vascular disease is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Canada. Patients often face multiple serious conditions at once, requiring complex, time-sensitive care. Each year, experts at PRHC perform more than 1,000 vascular procedures, with nearly three-quarters of patients travelling from outside Peterborough City and County to receive care at PRHC. For these patients and their families, timely access to advanced surgical care close to home is vital—preventing strokes and loss of limbs.

Now, patients who need multiple vascular procedures undergo each one and its recovery separately. If there will be a need for real-time medical imaging during surgery, the range of procedures that can be performed is limited due to the image quality of the current onsite diagnostic tools. This results in patients being referred to other hospitals where they’ll wait longer to receive the care they need.

An alternative exists: A hybrid OR combines a fully equipped surgical suite with advanced medical imaging in one, bigger space. There, specialized teams can perform multiple open and minimally invasive procedures in one surgical session with access to high resolution imaging. But PRHC is one of only a handful of Ontario’s Level 2 vascular centres without a hybrid OR. When having one is the standard of care, not having it means challenges recruiting surgeons who’ve trained on the technology and sending patients elsewhere for care, putting patients and PRHC’s vascular program at risk.

“In medical school I had access to a hybrid OR. It allows me to operate on patients safely, with extreme precision,” says Dr. Sajjid Hossain, PRHC vascular surgeon. “In vascular surgery, technology isn’t optional. It’s essential to care. A lot of the time patients come to us in life-threatening scenarios where minutes matter. Being able to access state-of-the-art imaging and advanced technologies is a difference between saving a life, saving a limb, or losing both. This is what vascular surgery should be.”

PRHC agrees and has self-funded the creation of the space in the hospital building to enable the hybrid OR. The PRHC Foundation is committed to raising the $6 million needed to outfit the space with its cutting-edge equipment.

“A hybrid OR is vital for the future of patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Donor support will ensure patients from across our region can receive their lifesaving care close to home.” A hybrid OR will also help reduce patient wait times and help treat more patients, safely and efficiently, with better results. 

For Dr. Hossain and PRHC, the need is clear. But he realizes it can’t be resolved without support from generous donors. “When I came to Peterborough, I learned that crucial equipment and technology is funded by donors. That was eye-opening. Since then I’ve been regularly surprised and touched by the generosity of this community,” says Dr. Hossain. “People here really stand behind their healthcare professionals. Thank you so much.”

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

Saddle up for the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race at Trent River Stables

Get ready for another thrilling day at Trent River Stables as the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race returns on Monday, May 18 in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. As the first show of the season, this much-anticipated event brings together riders, spectators and supporters for a high-energy day rooted in community spirit and giving back.

From fast-paced barrel racing to exciting pole bending, the event showcases talented riders of all ages and skill levels across multiple divisions. And there’s plenty more to enjoy – browse local vendors, bid in the silent auction, or grab a bite from the canteen.

Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a great way to kick off the season while supporting a meaningful cause.

Schedule:
• 7:00am – Open riding
• 8:00am – Exhibitions
• 9:00am – Open riding
• 10:00am – Show starts

Races will take place rain or shine at Trent River Stables, 202 Donegal Road, Norwood. Spectators are welcome – please remember to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day!

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the PRHC Foundation, helping fund vital equipment and technology for cancer care at your regional hospital. For more information, please contact Trent River Stables by phone at 705-931-4692 or by email.

Green thumbs unite for PRHC Foundation

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection, this is a great way to celebrate spring while supporting health and care in our region. The PRHC Foundation is grateful to once again be the beneficiary of the Peterborough Houseplant & Garden Social, a celebration of all things green, growing and local. This event brings together plant lovers, artisans and community members for a day that captures the spirit of spring while helping to fund essential equipment and technology at PRHC.

  • Sunday, April 12 / 10am – 4pm
  • Peterborough Golf & Country Club: 1030 Armour Rd. Peterborough ON

With 20+ vendors, browse a beautiful selection of tropical plants and seedlings, and discover unique finds like handmade pottery, jewelry, candles and more. Be sure to take part in the free plant swap, an opportunity to share, trade, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Admission is $5 cash and includes raffle entry, giving you another chance to take home something special.

A sweet night out for a great cause

Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress Peterborough is partnering with Board in a Box to host a magical Winter Wonderland Workshop in support of PRHC.

Guests will enjoy making:

  • A dessert charcuterie board
  • A festive winter mocktail
  • A fun, seasonal floral craft

Even sweeter? $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation to benefit patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The fun is taking place on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Thank you, Bennett’s! Gather your friends, get creative, and enjoy a wonderful winter evening.

Heart of Healthcare – Episode 7: Donor generosity is helping draw the best and brightest to PRHC

Meet Dr. Sajjid Hossain and Dr. Mary Lu, a physician couple who chose Peterborough as the place to raise their family while growing their careers and caring for patients at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

In Episode 7 of Heart of Healthcare, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, sits down with Dr. Hossain and Dr. Lu to talk about what brought them to Peterborough, the meaningful work they do each day, and the vital role donor support plays in funding state-of-the-art equipment and recruiting top physicians. From managing family time to managing complex medical cases, they’re grateful for all the ways their supportive community stands behind them.

Watch the full episode to see how these doctors – with the help of donors – are shaping the future of healthcare at PRHC.

This video, along with past episodes of Heart of Healthcare, are available through the PRHC Foundation’s social media and Vimeo channels. Watch them for inspiring conversations filled with compassion, resilience, and innovation. You can also subscribe to receive each new episode plus Foundation news and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.

Requesting a consolidated or duplicate 2025 charitable donation receipt

Blue heart icon with hospital icon inside

With tax season just around the corner, the PRHC Foundation is supporting our donors with their 2025 charitable donation receipts. Consolidated donation receipts for eligible donors are being prepared and will be mailed no later than February 27, 2026. Please allow up to 10 days for Canada Post delivery. If you’re expecting a consolidated receipt and it hasn’t arrived by March 13, please call us at 705-876-5000 or send us an email.

If you’re requesting a duplicate 2025 charitable donation receipt that was previously issued, please contact us with your full name, mailing address and the donation amount made to the PRHC Foundation in 2025. Once we receive your details, we’ll reissue your receipt and mail or email it to you within 10 business days.

Thank you for your continued support!

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.