Festive Wishes from Our Family to Yours

As the holiday season unfolds, we extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones. May the weeks ahead bring peace, connection, and moments of comfort during this special time of year.

Amid celebrations, traditions, and the quiet of winter days, we hope you find time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the presence of those who matter most. Whether your gatherings are large or small, may this season offer warmth, gratitude, and light.

As we look toward the year ahead, may 2026 bring renewed strength, fresh opportunities, and meaningful moments of growth. We wish you good health, fulfillment, and hope in all that is to come.

Above all, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. May your travels be smooth, your celebrations meaningful, and the memories you create carry you with renewed spirit into the new year.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your care and your community this past year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a joyous Hanukkah, a festive Kwanzaa, a peaceful Winter Solstice, and a bright and Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with kindness, comfort, and light.

On December 16 and 17, our Spiritual Care team led a Christmas Service for patients. We are inspired by everyone who came together for beautiful music, heartfelt reflection, hope, light, and the true meaning of Christmas felt by the spirit of community. Big thanks to Jen Dennis and Vanessa Slack for their efforts to celebrate the Christmas story and host a carol sing.

Baysville Man Wins Split the Pot!

The Split the Pot Lottery is an exceptional opportunity to support local healthcare and a chance at putting some money in your pocket. This program is province wide and includes over 80 different hospitals with the pot being split among them at the end of each month. Support local efforts to raise funds for needed equipment by purchasing tickets online, at on.splitthepot.ca. You can direct your purchase specifically to Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary or the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. In October, T. Pattendon of Baysville won $10,005. You could be the next winner!

Influenza season arrived early this year and according to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, flu activity is increasing quickly in Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka. Already this year, several influenza outbreaks have been declared in institutional settings across Simcoe Muskoka. Getting the influenza vaccine is still the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths — especially for people in high-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, and retirement homes. Visit your local pharmacy or primary care provider in the community to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Specimen Collection Centre operated by MAHC and Dynacare at the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre in Burk's Falls will be closed December 24-26, December 31 and January 1. Thank you for your understanding.

Cookie Delight, A Sweet Success!

Big thanks to the 115 wonderful bakers supporting the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary’s annual Cookie Delight on Friday, December 5. A total of 144 trays of baked goods (cookies, squares and mixed trays) were sold, which raised $4320 plus $155 in donations, for a grand total of $4,475. The Auxiliary extends its thanks to Bullock’s Your Independent Grocer for donating trays again this year and to the many volunteers who helped fulfil the event. Until next year’s Cookie Delight event, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Double Your Donation This December!

Thank you to our wonderful South Muskoka community for the generosity and kindness you continue to show our hospital. Your support truly strengthens the care our patients and families rely on every day. This year, we’re especially grateful to share that all gifts made to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation until December 31, 2025 will be matched up to $100,000, doubling the impact of your holiday giving. We are deeply thankful to everyone who chooses to stand with us and help make exceptional care possible in our community.

Start Off the New Year as a Hospital Volunteer!

Is volunteering part of your New Year’s resolution? Volunteers are a valued part of the hospital community. You can make a difference, too! From students to seniors, more than 200 volunteers give their time and provide caring and compassionate service to help improve the patient experience at our hospital sites. If you would like to make a difference, please consider becoming a volunteer. Apply today at www.mahc.ca/smmhauxiliary or www.mahc.ca/hdmhauxiliary. 

Colorworks Express Autobody Joins Business Cares

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation is proud to welcome Colorworks Express Auto Body as its newest Business Cares partner with a $25,000 donation. The program helps ensure Huntsville Hospital has access to advanced medical equipment and technology, supporting exceptional care for patients across Muskoka.

Owner Keith Oben explained “Just this year, three babies in our family (and two for the shop) were born locally. Colorworks believes deeply in social responsibility and that when we’re supported, we want to share. Our local clients have made this possible. It’s our turn to step up and do what we can for our community. We enjoy a community with a great history of giving, and this gift follows the leadership and generosity of Mr. Bob Hutcheson and his friends and family.” Keith’s father Ken Oben told us: “Business Cares says it all. The Foundation is a great way to give back to the whole community. We are blessed with a terrific healthcare team, and this gift is just our part to ensure that they have the right tools.”

Since its launch in January 2016, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Business Cares initiative has raised more than $2 million to help our hospital acquire advanced technology and equipment. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses who believe in investing in quality healthcare close to home, the initiative continues to grow, and more business leaders continue to step up in support of our hospital. 

Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge Welcomes Auxiliary Crafters

The Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary’s Crafting Circle is growing and so is the community involvement from only a few members in 2024, to almost 20 crafters in 2025! The Crafting Circle was fortunate to attend three craft shows and five days at the Dwight Market in 2025. Crafters love to craft, and it warms their hearts when they hear people say how much they love their creations! The Auxiliary expresses year-end thanks to longstanding members Ann, Dianne and Roxianne for donating their time at the Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge Craft Show on December 3. The Auxiliary raised $463 at this craft show!

Holiday Joy with the SMMH Auxiliary

The South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Auxiliary gathered at the Bracebridge Royal Canadian Legion Branch 161 to celebrate the season and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner. Thank you to President-Elect Jim Lawrie, who was master of ceremonies and helped special guest Santa distribute draw prizes and lead a carol sing.