Meet Ruth and Jack Foote

They are Philanthropists.

Even though Ruth and Jack Foote attended New York University at the same time; they never ran into each other on campus, not surprising considering the size of the campus. But a chance encounter after a fireworks display in Kearney, New Jersey, changed their lives forever. It was while walking home from those fireworks that Ruth and Jack started talking. Two months later they were engaged – and the following spring they married. That was 62 years ago.

The Foote’s moved to Canada in 1964, settled in Toronto, and six years later they proudly became Canadian Citizens.

Looking for a nice place where their three daughters could ride their horses, the Foote’s began looking for a new home. They discovered 25 acres in Campbellcroft and this is where they built their dream home – “Tall Birches” – in 1976. They sold that home a year ago to one of their daughters and moved to Cobourg.

The Foote’s interest in the Northumberland Hills Hospital began ten years ago. It was at that time Jack was diagnosed with kidney failure. He fought off dialysis treatments for three years, but now finds himself to be a regular visitor to the Dialysis Unit of NHH. “I get fabulous care here. The nurses are just wonderful,” states Jack.

The NHH Foundation recently received a significant donation from Ruth and Jack. Their gift was funded by a donation of appreciated securities.

“Getting to know Ruth and Jack has been our privilege,” says Rhonda Cunningham, Executive Director of the NHH Foundation. “After making their gift, they told us how happy and satisfied it made them feel but we were the ones who were absolutely honoured and thrilled to be included in their charitable planning.”

When asked what their passions in life are, Jack states without hesitation that it would have to be their family. “We are a very close-knit family with three beautiful daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, a foster granddaughter plus a foster daughter. And we’re very proud of the fact that we’ve helped provide an education for not only our three daughters, but also five grandchildren and three other children.”

The hospital family would like to recognize and celebrate Ruth and Jack Foote for making a difference in the care we provide to our patients. Its people like the Foote’s that make many things possible here at NHH. Thank you