Open Letter to the Online Gambling Industry, Government Agencies, and Celebrity Endorsers

As we navigate through an era inundated with rapid technological advancements and ever-growing access to online gambling, an urgent conversation must take place. In my capacity as the President & CEO of a specialty hospital in Southwestern Ontario, where we provide supports, services and programs to address mental health and addictions, this is our call to action, an invitation to reflect on our collective responsibilities and the impact we are making on the lives of countless individuals and families.

The rise of online gambling, particularly within the realm of sports, offers significant financial gains to many. Revenue streams have flowed generously to platforms, advertisers, and even government agencies reliant on this funding. However, with great power and success must come even greater responsibility. In my mind, this is a truth that appears to be overshadowed by the allure of profit and entertainment.

Speaking specifically to public figures and celebrities, your endorsements hold undeniable sway over the perception of online gambling. You have the power to influence millions, and that influence can be harnessed for the greater good. While legislation was implemented in February of 2024, not allowing any active or retired athletes to be used in advertising and marketing for Internet Gaming in Ontario, it hasn’t done enough. It may not be realistic to ask you to stop promoting online gambling altogether, but it is, at the very least, reasonable to urge you to use your platform for positive change. Under that same 2024 legislation, there’s an important exception: active and retired athletes are permitted to advocate for responsible gambling practices. For every commercial/advertisement that glamorizes the thrill of betting, ask yourself, what is being done to support those struggling with gambling addiction? How is it affecting the youth who watch professional sports? It is alarming to witness how the joyful narratives of sports betting overshadow the sobering realities faced by individuals battling addiction and digital dependency.

We bear witness to this daily at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in our Centre for Problem Gambling & Digital Dependency. Gambling, often perceived by many as harmless fun, can lead to devastating consequences for many. Lives are shattered, families are torn apart, and communities are left to pick up the pieces. Yet, amidst this growing concern, there seems to be a conspicuous absence of the funding required and resources and public education directed towards addressing these issues. The current narrative surrounding online gambling is heavily skewed towards promoting its benefits, but where is the accompanying commitment to social responsibility? This isn’t a new concept, the banning of cigarette ads across all platforms was banned because of the impact on society, yet here we are again. It is crucial for all stakeholders and those involved with the industry to unite and take a stand for those in need. We can no longer ignore the reality that unchecked gambling can lead to severe consequences. We should collectively advocate for increased access to support services, educational programs about responsible gambling, and public awareness initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding gambling addiction.

Let us harness the influence we have collectively, and transform it into a powerful force for positive impact and by embracing social responsibility, we can protect vulnerable individuals. Together, we can create an environment where entertainment does not come at the expense of those who suffer from gambling addiction. The future is bright if we choose to illuminate the path toward responsibility, support, and healing. 

Ontario Opens Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment Hub at HDGH

The Ontario government is expanding access to high-quality mental health and addictions care with the launch of a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Windsor. This is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to improve access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, and mental health and substance use challenges.

"We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Windsor-Essex can get the care they need on their path to recovery, while keeping the community safe.”

The HART Hub is operated in collaboration with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, the House of Sophrosyne, and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, with support from the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team. Based at HDGH on Prince Road, the Hub is currently operational and actively delivering services through a collaborative network of clinical, social service and care providers working together to connect individuals with the supports they need, when they need them.

"The HART Hub at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare represents a major step forward in how our community supports individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction," says Bill Marra, HDGH President and CEO. "It’s a testament to what’s possible when partners come together with compassion and shared purpose. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health for their continued support in bringing this collaborative initiative to life."

HART Hubs connect people to a range of comprehensive treatment and recovery services such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support.

Watch the Windsor-Essex HART Hub Tour Video.

Finding Strength in Going Beyond the Comfort Zone

As we mark National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 16–22), we are sharing a story of courage and growth from Robert Roberts, one of the clients featured in our impact film More Than Medicine. In his guest blog, Robert reflects on his journey through recovery, learning to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” and finding strength in vulnerability. 

New Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre Welcomes Patients

We are overjoyed to share the news that our new Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre officially opened its doors for outpatient appointments on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

The new space boasts features such as exercise bikes, NuSteps, parallel bars, a walking track and other functional treatment spaces including simulated kitchen to rebuild confidence while moving and completing tasks in a traditional home setting; simulated bathroom to support independence in personal care; private consultation and therapy rooms; along with direct patient drop off with an outdoor canopy.

We’d like to thank everyone who has helped this space come to fruition – the construction teams for building the space from the ground up, the outpatient restorative care teams for their active collaboration in ensuring the new space will meet the needs of their patients, to our patients and families who provided feedback, to our Foundation team for raising the needed funds to make this project possible, our generous donors and supporters, and all others who had a small or big role in the project’s success.

HDGH establishes reputation as sought-after location for Student Placements

When embarking on a graduate program in post-secondary school, many factors are considered for students: what is the school’s reputation, what are tuition costs, what future career opportunities does this program provide? For some students, being offered top-tier program placements is a significant draw.

For students of the University of Western Ontario Health Sciences program, a program placement at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has become extremely sought after. Having the opportunity to work and learn alongside experts in their field, observe high-quality clinical care, and learn in a dynamic, skill-challenging, and welcoming environment are qualities that students have come to expect from a placement at HDGH, making our organization a top choice for many.

At the end of October, we welcomed eight Master's of Physical Therapy Students and three Master’s of Occupational Therapy Students from the University of Western. These students will learn alongside HDGH PTs and OTs one-on-one for 7-8 weeks. They will be immersed in real-life examples of rehabilitative care, exploring all that our organization has to offer.

HDGH is proud to be a learning hospital with over 30 Affiliation Agreements signed with post-secondary schools throughout Canada and the United States.

The 2025 Big Party Boasts Most Successful Year

On November 14th, the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Foundation hosted its annual Big Party presented by The Sterling Ridge Group with the goal of uniting community members, donors, and supporters for an evening of generosity and celebration.

The Big Party continues to be one of the Foundation’s most anticipated fundraising events, supporting programs and services that provide compassionate care for those living with mental health disorders or addictions concerns in our community.

This year's 'Table Challenge' aimed to raise funds that will go towards construction of a new outdoor playground for the Intensive Treatment Services program as part of HDGH's Regional Children’s Centre.

HDGH Foundation Board Chair Dave Cassidy, alongside his daughter and long-term HDGH supporter, MacKenzie Cassidy, led Table Challenge, inspiring attendees to collectively raise $40,300 at Friday's event.

"I'm incredibly proud to be from Windsor-Essex," states Dave Cassidy. "We entered the event with a $35,000 shortfall toward reaching our fundraising goal required to install a new playground for the kids at the RCC. In true Windsor-Essex fashion, our generous sponsors from the local business community, our labour organizations and individual attendees answered the call and helped us reach our goal."  

The overwhelming success of the event's Table Challenge greatly contributed to making this year's event the most successful Big Party to date, raising over $160,000. Guests enjoyed a lively evening featuring dinner, live entertainment, a sketch artist, photo booth, and coffee bar — a celebration of community spirit and giving in support of Mental Health and Addictions programs at HDGH.

"While significant improvements have been made in the local delivery of mental health and addiction care there is still a long road ahead," Bill Marra said as he addressed the audience of the sold out event. "Your participation in tonight’s Big Party will help us to further transform and improve mental health and addiction services where 100% of the proceeds will support the advancement of these programs and services delivered by HDGH."

The HDGH Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who helped make this year’s event such a success.

A special thank you to our sponsors who made this night possible, including our Presenting Sponsor: The Sterling Ridge Group. Celebration Sponsors: Amico, Ground Effects LTD, and The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation. And all other sponsors.

HDGH Foundation launches 39th Annual Tree of Lights Campaign - Raising Funds for Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Foundation proudly launched its 39th Annual Tree of Lights campaign today with a special tree lighting ceremony held in the Ken Lewenza Sr. Lobby of the Tayfour Building at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

The campaign, running from November 18 to December 31, 2025, invites the community to make a meaningful contribution in support of Outpatient Rehabilitation programs at HDGH. These vital programs help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence following illness or injury, supporting recovery and quality of life for individuals and families across Windsor-Essex.

“Every detail of this new facility has been designed with our patients in mind…The space offers some expanded treatment areas, private consultation rooms, and a specialized exercise space that will allow our team to provide the individualized care that leads to better outcomes,” said Sarah Picco, Director of Rehabilitation and Restorative Care and Patient Transitions. “None of this would be possible without our donors, supporters, and community partners. Your belief in our vision has laid the foundation for a facility that will touch countless lives for generations to come. This new space is truly remarkable.”

The annual Tree of Lights event brings together hospital colleagues and leadership, Foundation and Hospital Board Representatives, community members, and local supporters to celebrate the spirit of giving. The ceremony featured Honourary Tree Lighter Paul Brisebois, along with remarks from Bill Marra, President and CEO of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare; John Fairley, Senior VP of Communications, Advancement and External Affairs at St. Clair College; Dave Cassidy, Foundation Board Chair, and Pat Soullière, Hospital Board Chair. Musical performances were provided by the Salvation Army Band and the St. Angela Catholic Elementary School Youth Choir.

Community members are encouraged to join the campaign by making a donation. Every light on the tree symbolizes a gift of hope and healing for patients in need of rehabilitation care.