MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2026

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – Incredible community support has propelled Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation’s annual Light Up a Life campaign to new heights, making this the most successful campaign in its 32-year history. In response to the annual appeal, which was launched in November 2025, $400,000 was raised to fund the purchase of two ventilators for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“I have been moved to see the generosity of this community firsthand,” shares Dr. Darius Seidler, NHH’s Chief of Critical Care and the ICU, and Chair of Light Up a Life 2025. “When local people contribute their time, money, or advocacy they are helping shape the quality of care their own families, friends, and neighbors receive. To all those who donated, I say ‘thank you’ – supporting our hospital is a selfless act that helps our team provide better care for every patient who comes through our doors.”

At the beginning of the campaign, a heartfelt appeal from Dr. Seidler was sent to more than 3000 households across Northumberland County, detailing the recent experience of patient, Tyler Lynn, who spent three months in the hospital’s ICU on a ventilator.

When asked what he’d say to someone considering supporting NHH, Lynn shared, “You could be saving a life by making a donation. You could be giving someone a second chance.”

With the 2025 campaign now complete, NHH will move forward with purchasing the new ventilators. This equipment will be used when a patient is unable to breathe on their own due to illness, trauma, or severe medical conditions.

In addition to the overwhelming response to these appeal letters, JJ’s Steak and Burgers hosted a Christmas Tree Raffle for their seventh year in a row, raising $1,520.

First launched in 1994, the Light Up a Life campaign has raised over $4.78 million.

To discover more ways you can support NHH Foundation, please visit www.NHHFoundation.ca.