NHH Foundation Celebrates $26 Million Raised

September 30, 2024

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation Celebrates Largest Fundraising Campaign in Hospital’s History

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – On a beautiful September afternoon, supporters of the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care Campaign.

Before a crowd of 150 people, Campaign Chair Hank Vandermeer, announced a total of $26.3 million had been raised to fund critical medical equipment and key projects at NHH since the campaign was first formed in 2020.

“I still remember the day Wendy Ito and Rhonda Cunningham visited me at my dealership to ask if I would lead the campaign,” recounts Vandermeer. “At the time, the goal was to raise $20 million. This was later changed to $25 million. Even though it was an intimidating request, I said I would do it because I know how important a hospital is to its community. Thankfully, the community rallied around us and today, we celebrate not only achieving but surpassing our goal.”

“Today is a testament to what the campaign cabinet—indeed, the entire Foundation and its small but mighty army of volunteers—has been able to achieve, collectively, in support of Northumberland Hills Hospital. In the world of fundraising, we know that every donation—regardless of size—matters. Behind each donation is a human being with a story that has propelled their decision to donate to this campaign—and in doing so—help us continue to enhance the level of care that we deliver at NHH,” shared Susan Walsh, NHH President and CEO.

Monies raised to date have already begun to make an impact, funding several exciting projects such as:

Creating an Integrated Stroke Unit
Upgrading the meal delivery system to ensure patients receive their meals at the optimal temperature, and
Introducing a new digital health record

Looking to the future, other projects that will be made possible by the community’s support of this campaign will include:

Replacing both the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners
Building and equipping a fourth Operating Room
Expanding and centralizing the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Redeveloping both the Pharmacy and Medical Device Reprocessing Department

“As we look to the future, I want all of us to see the hospital as not just a place of healing but a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. We see a hospital equipped with state-of-the-art technology, staffed by the best and brightest professionals, and guided by a commitment to excellence and compassion,” stated Dr. Mukesh Bhargava, NHH Chief of Staff.

“The journey does not end here. The conclusion of this amazing campaign is just the beginning. It is a foundation upon which we will build a hospital that serves as a model for others, a place where every person feels valued and cared for, and where the possibilities for better health and well-being are endless,” he continued.

“Today is a special day where we can once again celebrate what donors and volunteers will make possible for our Hospital,” said Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation CEO. “We are humbled by the trust placed in us and are committed to work alongside Hospital leadership to see their vision come to life.”

More information on the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Campaign can visit www.itstimenorthumberland.ca.

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