“I believe in the team at the Foundation and at Northumberland Hills Hospital,” shares Wendy Ito when asked what inspires her to support NHH Foundation. “There will always be a need to update medical equipment and I’ve seen firsthand that the donations of my family and my community are valued and spent wisely to keep a high level of care close to home. I’m excited to do my part to ensure my family, friends, and community continue to have access to an outstanding hospital in Northumberland County.”

As a lifelong resident, Wendy knows this County and this community well. She grew up in Grafton and met her husband, Mark, when the two were in high school. Together, Wendy and Mark raised their two daughters, Kylie and Katie, in this community. Wendy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree as well as her Early Childhood Education Diploma and Social Service Work Diploma and previously worked as the Program Coordinator for the Northumberland Family Resource Centre. After her second daughter was born, Wendy decided to stay home full time with her children and this decision allowed her to become more involved in community volunteer work. In addition to volunteering with her daughters’ schools, Wendy has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Northumberland United Way, West Northumberland Wild Hockey Association, and for different fundraising events with NHH Foundation. Currently, Wendy not only sits on the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care Campaign Cabinet, but also serves as Chair of the NHH Foundation Board of Directors and is involved with Community Care Northumberland’s annual fundraising event, Handbags for Hospice.

Wendy believes maintaining a strong hospital is important for the growth and prosperity of her community. A strong hospital will help Northumberland County continue to grow and attract professionals and she feels it is important to have this care close to home for both her long-time friends and family, and for newcomers to the community.

“When you or a loved one needs care, it’s often a stressful time,” says Wendy. “Having a well-equipped hospital close by, with a talented medical team helps relieve some of that additional stress.”