It’s safe to say that most of us have received hospital care at some point in our lifetime. Whether it’s the moment we are brought into this world, treating injuries, or receiving lifesaving care, we have witnessed firsthand the vital role our healthcare providers play in our communities. Our publically funded healthcare system supports our hospital’s infrastructure and human resources. However, new patient care equipment must be funded through community support. The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital works closely with generous donors to ensure that Guelph General Hospital has the necessary equipment to support the needs of our growing community. Their mission statement is simple; Transforming healthcare through giving.

The Importance of Donors

Hospitals across Ontario, including Guelph General Hospital, are publicly-funded medical centers. However, every piece of patient care equipment is funded by community donors. This includes anything from surgical tools, and IV pumps to sleeper chairs and MRI machines. Every piece of equipment used in direct patient care is made possible by donors.

The Foundation believes in building a strong community of individual donors and corporate partners. Strong relationships with local pillars of the community, like the one they have with RLB, ensures that Guelph General Hospital can deliver the best patient care possible.

In fact, The Foundation was able to purchase a state-of-the-art MRI machine which will be installed later this year, thanks to the generosity of donors. Also, thanks to donors, the Together, We Care campaign met the fundraising requirement to 100% fund a complete expansion and renovation to modernize the Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. The renovation is near completion and the Hospital hopes to share more news in the next upcoming months.

Community support also funded the necessary equipment to build a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room. This space afforded surgeons the ability to perform minimally invasive interventions in surgery with the aid of X-ray vision. GGH is the regional provider of general vascular surgery. In 2022, donors funded new equipment in the vascular surgery suite that produces high-resolution and detailed images. Donors also funded dose-aware monitors for surgeons that are exposed to radiation on a regular basis.
These monitors give live readings of radiation exposure so the teams can adjust on the fly to decrease their personal risk. The impact is two-fold as it gives surgeons the accuracy needed but without the sacrifice of increased radiation exposure.

Ready to Adapt

Guelph General Hospital is rated as one of Ontario’s best hospitals, with exceptional marks in safety, quality and efficiency. Thanks to the support of our community, GGH is able to position itself to address urgent situations such as the 2020 global pandemic. Having the foresight to plan for these large-scale emergency situations is vital as it certainly impacts the community, their patients, and the care team as a whole. For example, in early 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Guelph General Hospital was able to purchase new ventilators with funds from their Circle of Life philanthropy club. Ensuring that the Hospital can adapt quickly to changing needs and local demand is crucial for the health and well-being of all community members.

Ways to Give

The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is celebrating 36 years as a registered charity in 2023. Their role as fundraisers for the Hospital is vital for the care of the patients the Hospital treats today and in the future. The Foundation has developed several well-known events over the years that are not only fun and engaging but are integral to bringing in donations and financial support.

Black Tie Bingo

2023 marked the 27th anniversary of Black Tie Bingo; an event that RLB is proud to support. We were honoured to sponsor the production of a video that showcased the dedicated surgical team in action at Guelph General Hospital. The event raised a total of $484,000, which will allow the Hospital to provide much-needed surgical equipment.

Tour de Guelph

Tour de Guelph has become a staple event in the Royal City. Cyclists from across the region hit the
streets of Guelph to raise funds for a variety of local charities including Guelph General Hospital as well
as local Rotary projects through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. In 2023, Tour de
Guelph will celebrate its 10th anniversary and is poised to exceed $1 million in total funds raised for our
community. Tour de Guelph is made possible by the over 100 dedicated volunteers that manage the
execution of the event. There is still time to sign up to volunteer, ride or make a financial contribution
for the 2023 Tour taking place Sunday, June 25th. There is also a ‘Ride Anytime’ option from June 16th to
June 25th. Learn more at www.TourdeGuelph.ca.

More Ways to Give

Looking for other ways to contribute to Guelph General Hospital and the care they provide to their
patients? Consider the following options:

 

Thank You, Guelph General Hospital

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Guelph General Hospital for the many years of collaboration and for their tireless efforts to support our community members. The care they provide is unmatched, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help in any small way. The work that GGH and The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is vital to keeping our community healthy and we are grateful to work with such inspired organizations.

To learn more about Guelph General Hospital and The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, we invite you to visit their website at www.gghfoundation.ca.