Message from Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO | |
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The new year is here – a time for resolutions, healthy eating, and fresh intentions - well, at least at work. I am terrible at resolutions! That said I’ve always believed in the power of a goal, though I’ll admit that belief was tested as we wrapped up 2024. The postal strike threw our team a major curveball right in the middle of our Winter Campaign which is our biggest fundraising campaign of the year with a goal of $1.5M.
In my last note, I shared our struggle. Now, as we step into 2025, I’m overjoyed to report that thanks to this incredible community, we exceeded our $1.5-million Winter Campaign goal ending up at $2.1 million, without the mail campaign!
With over 1,640 individual donations—and more still arriving in long-awaited mailed packages—we’ve been able to fund critical equipment, including:
- Six $75,000 NICU incubators for the Maternity Ward
- A $40,000 NICU transfer stretcher for the Maternity Ward
- A $312,000 Holmium laser to enhance prostate cancer treatment
- And three pieces of equipment for High Intensity Rehabilitation
We’ve also raised nearly $700,000 toward our $2.9-million goal for the SPECT/CT machine, a vital piece of equipment we’ll continue fundraising for in 2025.
Our team’s determination shone through in new and creative ways, from launching innovative digital campaigns to hosting our first-ever donor telethon and achieving a record $500,000 response on Giving Tuesday. This community’s resolve to improving healthcare for all who call this incredible Island home has been nothing short of inspiring.
As we move forward in 2025, our goals remain ambitious, and with your continued support, we’re confident we can achieve even more together. Here’s to another year of transforming healthcare where we live!
Warmly,
Barney Ellis-Perry
Chief Executive Officer
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2024 tax deduction eligibility extended to February 28, 2025
Donors, check your mailboxes! The letters sharing the story of our winter campaign were stuck in limbo for five weeks during the Canada Post strike, and have only this week started to trickle in to our donors’ mailboxes.
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Better late than never! We hope that you will enjoy reading about “Liam”, whose life was changed dramatically when a scan on a SPECT/CT machine was able to accurately diagnose his complex medical issue that had severely impacted his quality of life.
Recognizing the impact of the postal strike on Canadian charities, the federal government has extended the deadline for making donations eligible for tax support in the 2024 tax year, until February 28, 2025. This extension provides you with sufficient time to ensure your contributions are received and processed, and helps us get closer to our $2.9 million goal to bring a second SPECT/CT to Central Vancouver Island. Please consider donating by mail or online in support of our IMAGING: Seeing beyond to save lives campaign.
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A Message from Hospital Leadership | |
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Advancing Patient Care Through the ICU Liberation Quality Initiative (QI) Project
At Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), we are dedicated to improving the care and outcomes of our most critically ill patients. Our ICU Liberation Quality Initiative (QI) Project exemplifies this commitment, driving meaningful change in delivering critical care.
Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Babuk and supported by a passionate interdisciplinary team of nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, and others, this project leverages evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in critical care.
What is ICU Liberation?
The ICU Liberation QI Project is designed to 'liberate' patients from the challenges often associated with prolonged critical care.
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By focusing on reducing time spent in critical care units, minimizing the use of mechanical ventilation, preventing delirium, and lowering ICU readmissions, this initiative ensures patients experience better long-term health outcomes.
This innovative project would not be possible without the incredible generosity of donors to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. Your support has equipped our ICU with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling our healthcare teams to implement advanced care strategies.
Looking ahead, the opening of the High Acuity Unit (HAU) in late 2025 will further enhance our ability to provide exceptional care. These developments reflect a shared commitment to transforming healthcare for our community.
Thank you to everyone who supports NRGH and our efforts to deliver world-class care. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
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Variety Cares Fund: Empowering Families on Their Healthcare Journey
We are thrilled to announce a generous $40,000 grant awarded to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation from Variety – the Children’s Charity, through their Variety Cares Fund. This remarkable contribution directly supports children and families travelling to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for essential care.
The Variety Cares Fund ensures that families can concentrate on their children’s health and well-being, providing much-needed resources during challenging times. By easing the burden on these families, the grant reinforces our shared commitment to compassionate and innovative healthcare for our Central and North Vancouver Island communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Variety – the Children’s Charity, for their ongoing dedication to the health and well-being of children across British Columbia. Together, we continue to make a profound difference.
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A Big Thank You to the London Drugs Foundation
We are excited to share that the London Drugs Foundation has generously awarded a $1,000 grant to support healthcare in our community.
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Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed to vital projects such as the Critical Care Building, Emergency Department, Pediatrics, and urgently needed equipment upgrades across the hospital.
Their commitment to advancing healthcare in our community exemplifies the spirit of partnership that drives positive change. Thank you, London Drugs Foundation, for being a trusted ally in improving healthcare for all who call our central island region home.
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Meet Your Foundation Team | |
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Jenif Roque,
Annual Giving Coordinator
Jenif Roque joined the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation seven months ago and has quickly become an integral part of the team. As the Annual Giving Coordinator, Jenif is passionate about building meaningful connections and fostering donor relationships. His dedication, experience, and thoughtful approach reflect the Foundation's mission to enhance healthcare in the Central Island region. Let's get to know Jenif and the many ways he contributes to our community.
How many years have you been at the Foundation for?:
I've been with the Foundation for seven months," Jenif shares. Despite being new to the role, he has made a significant impact, especially in donor engagement and innovative strategies.
Tell me about your role and what you do at the Foundation.
My role involves creating a WOW! Experience for all donors by engaging with and stewarding them. I'm also working on donor acquisition, collaborating on the Oceanside strategy for the Foundation, supporting volunteer initiatives, and maintaining data health to strengthen donor connections.
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Your Code Brew order:
Cortado - two shots of espresso with warmed cream and two brown sugars. I need a strong coffee!
Work from home, office, car, or all of the above?:
I prefer working from the office but love meeting with donors wherever they feel comfortable.
Sun or snow?:
Sun (of course). My wife and I especially enjoy attending events and spending time at the beach during the warmer months.
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Best part of your job:
Interacting with donors and hearing the amazing stories of why they give - strengthens my faith in the goodness of people.
Place you spend your time most (outside of the office):
More than the place, it's the people I spend time with - my wife and our 'mini-me' (my little one).
What is your favourite thing about your team?:
I love the diversity and wealth of experience within the team. It's inspiring to work with such a dynamic group.
Why is it in YOUR nature to give?:
Giving is a family legacy - my parents worked in the social sector for vulnerable children, women, and marginalized communities, which inspired me to join the non-profit sector. I also believe in people's power, individually and collectively, to make a positive difference in others' lives. That's why it's in my nature to give.
Read more about Jenif in his bio on our staff page here.
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Your Donor Dollars at Work |
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Photo: Trina Knight, Manager Child Youth and Family NRGH and NICU team. | |
Stretcher Success in the NICU | |
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Exciting updates from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital! Thanks to your overwhelming generosity this past Giving Tuesday, the NICU has welcomed a new essential piece of equipment: a specialized transport stretcher.
This game-changing addition is already improving care. As Trina Knight, Manager of Child, Youth & Family at NRGH, shared:
"The staff are absolutely ecstatic as this new stretcher means no more heavy lifting and moving incubators from one stretcher to another. It is so nice the incubator can stay on this new stretcher, and it safely secures into BC ambulance cars for safe transport of babies."
The stretcher ensures safer, smoother transfers for our tiniest patients while alleviating strain on our dedicated medical staff. It's a powerful example of how donor dollars directly enhance patient care and staff well-being.
But the journey doesn't stop here! Additional equipment funded through your contributions - such as advanced incubators - is on its way and is arriving this January.
From all of us at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, thank you for helping us deliver innovative healthcare. Your generosity is making an extraordinary difference in the lives of our community's youngest and most vulnerable members. Together, we are shaping the future of care on Central and North Vancouver Island.
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Dine About 2025 Launch & Fundraiser Gala
Happening Tonight!
The Dine About 2025 Launch & Fundraiser Gala is here! Join us this evening, Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Camas Restaurant, located at 7143 Caillet Rd, Lantzville.
This special event will feature:
- Chef-crafted canapés and select beverages, including zero-proof options.
- Live music, a DJ, and captivating entertainment.
- Door prizes and an exciting auction at 8:00 PM, with prizes such as private chef experiences, cooking classes, and more.
- A playful Vintage Prom theme—dress to impress or come as you are!
Proceeds from this evening will directly support the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation and Nanaimo Foodshare, two organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of our community.
It’s not too late to attend this celebration of food, music, and community spirit. For event details or last-minute ticket availability, click below.
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We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to support these vital causes. | |
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A Heartfelt Thank You to the Nanaimo Theatre Group and Our Community
This past December, the Nanaimo Theatre Group delighted audiences with their Mother Goose-themed Christmas pantomime, continuing their cherished tradition of bringing joy to the community every holiday season. Since 1993, these annual pantomime shows have become a hallmark of festive family fun in Nanaimo.
In 2024, their performances, running from December 19 to 29, brought laughter and cheer while supporting a meaningful cause - the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. Thanks to their incredible talent and the generosity of our community, the event raised $3,000 to help improve healthcare in our region.
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Thank You Donors and Supporters!
We look forward to connecting with you in 2025!, Whether you are a regular participant at our many events, a donor, a volunteer, or a follower on social media and newsletter reader, you are an important member of our special community of care and we are grateful for you!
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Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation | (250) 755-7690 | nanaimohospital.com | Follow us on social media to stay updated on inspiring stories, important news, and opportunities to support local healthcare. | | | | |
