The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation has shattered its previous single-year fundraising record, announcing $27.2 million in funding approved through the Foundation’s Capital Grants Program.
The foundation has now surpassed $109 million in contributions to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre since 2010.
“To put it into perspective, I remember when we were approving around $2 million in Capital Grants. Today, we’re approving more than 10 times that amount,” said Jody Nesti, Chair of the Capital Grants Committee and member of the Family CARE Grants Committee. “Having been involved with the foundation for many years, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. I’m so proud to be part of this moment.”
Grant money is being distributed throughout “nearly every area” of the hospital. The largest grants this year include:
- $4.8 million over two years to replace and expand the Hospital’s cardiac monitoring system
- $2.28 million to replace an aging CT scanner
- $2.16 million for new anesthesia machines in the Operating Room
- $1.74 million to replace an aging Cardiac Catheterization Lab
- $720k to the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program, bringing the foundation’s total commitment to over $24 million
A complete list of approved grants is available below.
“Think about this. I remember more than a decade ago, it took a multi-year fundraising campaign to purchase a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Today, we’re funding another one, and it’s not even our largest equipment investment this year,” says Dr. Steve Adams, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “It’s a remarkable reflection of just how much more we’re now able to do for healthcare, and that’s what makes today’s announcement so significant.”
The foundation is also setting aside more than $5 million over the next five years to support research and innovation. The funding will help launch new projects, encourage collaboration between healthcare teams and strengthen efforts to establish a Research Chair Program.
In addition, $150,000 has been approved through the foundation’s Family CARE Grants program, supporting projects developed by hospital staff to improve the patient and family experience.
Support Beyond Thunder Bay
The foundation also approved $230,473 in regional and external grants, including $36,090 for Wilson Memorial General Hospital in Marathon.
The funding will help purchase equipment supporting palliative and oncology care, including IV pumps, a bladder scanner and a vital signs monitor.
Jordan Rochon, chief nursing officer at Wilson Memorial General Hospital and McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay, said the foundation’s long-term support has been critical for smaller hospitals across northwestern Ontario.
“For a smaller hospital like ours, that kind of ongoing support makes a tremendous difference,” Rochon said. “It means we can provide more of the care our patients need right here in our community.”
Foundation CEO Glenn Craig called the announcement a proud moment, noting that the achievement reflects the support of thousands of donors over the years.
“To stand here today, announcing another record year of funding and more than $109 million in contributions to our hospital, is an incredibly proud moment,” Craig said. “This achievement belongs to every one of them.”
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre president and CEO Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott thanked donors for helping the hospital replace aging equipment, adopt new technologies and support healthcare workers with modern tools.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity,” she said.
