The Checkup Winter Newsletter 2019 | Page 6

GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN ACHIEVES LAST MILESTONE! After three years of intensive fundraising, the Health Foundation is pleased to announce that the goals for the $16m Gratitude Campaign have been achieved! This massive campaign encompassed eight health projects ranging from renewal of clinics in Anzac and Conklin, and renewal of the Continuing Care ward and Multipurpose Clinic in the hospital, to the creation of a brand new ward, the family-friendly Palliative Care Suites. And included the largest project in the campaign, the creation of Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) Suites. There were also two major public and community health projects focused on children and youth. Bringing the campaign to a close were the final three donors featured here. Tuccaro Group: Longtime community member and Aboriginal entrepreneur, Dave Tuccaro led the many branches of his company to financial success by boldly entering the site services industry and demonstrating the quality of work that could be done by a local workforce. His success spans over 30 years of creating opportunities for Aboriginal workforce and community development. As a former member of the Northern Lights Health Foundation Board, Dave understands that there is a direct link between great health care and the future of our region and he wanted his companies to play a role in leading the region to a bright and prosperous future. The Tuccaro gift of $250,000 was directed to the MIS Suites Project to ensure more surgeries could be done locally. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo: The Health Foundation received a Community Capital Grant of $400,000 to the capital construction of the MIS Suites. The Community Capital Grant is one piece of a larger Community Investment Program that the RMWB offers to ensure the growth and sustainability of the social profit agencies that are serving our region. The Capital Grant is used to support the construction, expansion or renovation of recreational, social and cultural facilities in the region. During the Health Foundation’s presentation of the MIS Suites project to Council, several Council members thanked us for highlighting this project for their review and for showcasing the opportunities for new surgical options for residents. Mayor Scott noted that “strong local health care is key to ensuring Wood Buffalo’s future as a vibrant, attractive and sustainable region.” Suncor Energy and the Suncor Energy Foundation: A visionary $3,000,000 leadership gift from Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation completed the fundraising for the MIS Suites project and created the opportunity to renovate and renew the hospital lobby. This exciting project will convert the 40 year old lobby to a warm, welcoming space with improved lighting, more seating, power stations for electronics, accessible washrooms and way finding. When complete the lobby will reflect our Indigenous and multi- cultural communities. The Suncor Heart of Health Lobby will reflect the care and compassion of the service offered by every department. For all of the details on these stories, check out our media releases HERE The Health Foundation thanks all of the contributors to the Gratitude Campaign. We are grateful for your support. 6 WINTER 2019 | THE CHECKUP