Photo: Trina Knight, Manager of Perinatal at NRGH and Barney Ellis-Perry

CEO, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation 

When Community Comes Together, Miracles Happen 

December 3rd, 2024, may seem like ages ago, but we at the Foundation remember it vividly as it was such an exciting day. This was our third Giving Tuesday, and we had set an ambitious goal to raise $300,000 to fund four Giraffe Omnibed Legacy incubators. It was an amazing day with an incredible outpouring of donor support, often from unexpected places. By the middle of the afternoon, we had met our initial goal when a donor called, wanting to fund a full incubator for $75,000. I asked him if he would like to be our second match donor and help us fund the other items on the Maternity Ward’s Christmas list, and he said yes. So today, I’m thrilled to share an exciting update from a very special campaign. 

Thanks to that generous spirit—and the collective efforts of 325 individual and organizational donors—Giving Tuesday 2024 became our biggest one-day fundraiser yet, bringing in over $505,000. That generosity made it possible to purchase all six Giraffe Omnibed Legacy incubators the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) needed, a specialized transport stretcher, and a fetal monitor for the Perinatal Unit at NRGH; as of last week, all of the new equipment has officially arrived and is already making a difference for our tiniest and most vulnerable patients and their families. This milestone was powered not only by donations but also by the heartwarming viral success of our social media video featuring one of our own NICU nurses. 

Thank you to everyone who stepped up for Giving Tuesday and earlier in the year when donors at the Soirée by the Sea funded all nine new birthing beds for the Maternity Ward, which have already had a lot of use. Your support is helping deliver the highest level of care to newborns and families right here in our community. 

Warmly,

Barney Ellis-Perry

CEO, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation 

Photo: Dianna Rivard, Executive Assistant at Quality Foods

Building a Healthier Future:

Quality Foods' Impact on NRGH's Critical Care

For nearly 30 years, Quality Foods has been more than a grocery store—they’ve been a generous partner in improving healthcare across Central Vancouver Island. From heartfelt donations to cause marketing campaigns and gift-at-till initiatives, their support has helped fund critical programs and equipment across NRGH and our long-term care facilities.

When the time came to expand and improve critical care services at NRGH, Quality Foods made another meaningful contribution. Their gift helped fund equipment for the High Acuity Unit (HAU), and the Waiting Room will be named in honour of their company’s founding partners, Ken Schley and John Briuolo.

Visit our website to read the full story and learn how Quality Foods continues to make a lasting difference in our healthcare community.

Photo: Hans Bohnsack, Volunteer; Rylee Porter, Youth Staff; Jean Sparkes, Vice President; Karen McCarthy from NDHF; and Ruth Goodbody, President of the Ladysmith HC Auxiliary.

Celebrating the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary’s Gift of $60,000 to Support Local Mothers and Babies  

For over a century, the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary has exemplified what it means to be rooted in community and driven by compassion. Since 1912, this vibrant organization has grown from a small group of determined women to a powerhouse of over 250 dedicated volunteers. Each year, they tirelessly give their time, talents, and hearts—raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support health and wellness programs throughout the Central Island region. 

This year, their generosity reached a new milestone. The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation is honoured and deeply grateful to celebrate the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary’s incredible $60,000 gift toward the purchase of replacement fetal monitors for the Perinatal/Maternity Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). This transformative donation is helping replace outdated monitors—some over 17 years old—with state-of-the-art technology that will offer greater safety and care for mothers and babies in our region. 

Thank You, Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation 

Celebrating Our Community:

NDHF Nominated for Four Business Awards 

The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation is deeply grateful to be nominated in four categories in this year’s Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Business Awards: Small & Medium Business, People’s Choice, Community Builder of the Year, and Not for Profit. 

Being recognized as a Community Builder and Not for Profit organization is especially meaningful to us. These nominations are a reflection of the incredible support we receive from our donors, volunteers, healthcare teams, and local businesses. 

Everything the Foundation is able to accomplish—whether funding equipment, supporting patient comfort, or enhancing care across the region—is only possible because of this generous and engaged community. We are thankful every day to live and work in a place where people come together for the greater good. 

We’re also honoured to be in the running for the People’s Choice Award—the only category that is voted on by the public. 

Voting is open now through April 22. If you’d like to support the Foundation in this way, we would be so grateful for your vote. 

Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award here. 



From all of us at the Foundation—thank you for standing with us. It’s in our nature to give, and we’re proud to give alongside you. 

🍪 Save the Date! 🍪 

Smile Cookie Week is Coming: April 28 – May 4 ️ 

This year’s Smile Cookie campaign is helping us get closer to our goal of bringing a second SPECT/CT scanner to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital—state-of-the-art imaging equipment that will improve care for patients across our region. 

Together, we've already raised $1,883,345 of our $2.9 million goal through 1,031 generous donations. Every Smile Cookie purchased helps move us one step closer. 

Looking for a sweet way to give back? 



Smile Cookies are perfect for: 

• Brightening up the office and boosting morale 
• Surprising your child’s classroom or school team 
• Thanking volunteers, staff, or community groups 
• Sharing joy with your friends, neighbours, or clients 

Planning a bulk order? 

Pre-order at your nearest Tim Hortons or visit us online: 

Questions? Contact Tina Moreira at tina.moreira@islandhealth.ca. 

All Aboard for Soirée by the Sea — and a Special Thanks to Our Presenting Sponsor! 

Soirée by the Sea returns on Friday, June 6, 2025, for an unforgettable evening on beautiful Saysutshun Island! Set sail with us for a celebration of community, connection, and compassionate care — all in support of vital healthcare initiatives for Central Vancouver Island. 

Guests will enjoy a night of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live music under the stars — but tickets are limited, and they’re going fast. Don’t miss the boat! 

To reserve your tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tina.Moreira@islandhealth.ca. 

Meet Our Presenting Sponsor: Odlum Brown and Mark Mawhinney 

We’re proud to welcome Canadian investment firm Odlum Brown and Mark Mawhinney, Portfolio Manager, as our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Soirée by the Sea. 

Mark’s commitment to local healthcare runs deep. As a longtime supporter of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, he understands how essential access to timely, quality care is for families in our region. “Supporting urgently needed equipment isn’t just about today — it’s about investing in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” says Mark. 

His values mirror those of our generous donor community: personal responsibility, trustworthiness, and a heartfelt belief in giving back. We’re honoured to have Odlum Brown lead the way as we work together to shape the future of care on Vancouver Island. 

Watch Mark’s video message, read the full sponsor spotlight, and learn how you can be part of this meaningful evening.

Thank You for Making a Difference!  

On Saturday, April 12, we saw incredible community spirit in action at the Milner Group’s Recycling Facility for Green Waste Drop-Off Day in support of the SPECT/CT Campaign for the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. 

There was amazing energy, lots of smiling faces, and a whole lot of yard waste cleared—all for a great cause!  

A huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by to donate their green waste. And to the Milner Group, who generously matched every donation—doubling the impact for local healthcare. 

Together, we're making real change for our hospital and our community. 

Check out a quick look at the day in action below! 

Total raised: $3,139.52 – and every dollar brings us closer to advanced imaging care at NRGH. 

Our Sweetest Doughnation Day Yet – April 5, 2025

We are thrilled to share that this year’s Doughnation Day, held on Saturday, April 5, was a resounding success! Thanks to the outstanding support of our community and the dedicated team at Pleasant Valley COBS Bread, $2,606 was raised—our largest Doughnation Day total to date.

Proceeds from every 6-pack of hot cross buns sold are helping us strengthen healthcare for patients and families across our central island region. Your contributions directly support the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s work at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and other Island Health facilities we serve.

To everyone who participated—whether through a purchase, an in-store donation, or by simply helping to spread the word—thank you.

It’s in our nature to give, and your generosity inspires us.

Thank You!

3rd Annual Dirt Cup Charity Hockey Game 



On March 22, Oceanside Place Arena came alive with the energy, generosity, and community spirit that define who we are. 

The THIRD Annual Dirt Cup was not just a game—it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Thanks to YOU, this year’s event raised a record-breaking $112,500 in support of four incredible local charities, including the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. 

From the thrill of the puck drop to the joy of kids getting in on the action, every moment carried meaning. It’s in our nature to give—and seeing children and youth from the supported organizations participate reminded us exactly why we do this work. 

To the players from Knappett and IWC, the volunteers, sponsors, attendees, and the passionate Dirt Cup Organizing Committee—your time, effort, and heart made this event a true celebration of community. To our fellow charity partners—Nanaimo Child Development Centre, KidSport Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation—we are proud to stand beside you in serving our community. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us build a healthier future, together. 

Photo: Various photos of volunteers of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Code Brew Café and Lifeline Nanaimo.

Celebrating Volunteer Week | April 27 – May 4 



At the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, it's in our nature to give—and our volunteers bring that spirit to life in the most meaningful ways. From community events like Golf for Life, Soirée by the Sea, and Light the Trees, to ongoing support at Code Brew Café and Lifeline Nanaimo, volunteers play an essential role in helping us serve the health of our central island communities. 

Their time, energy, and care ensure our events shine, our services flourish, and that 100% of profits from Code Brew Café and Lifeline Nanaimo continue to help fund critical medical equipment and essential healthcare projects. 

To every volunteer—thank you. Your kindness and commitment truly make a difference. 

Inspired to get involved? If you’re interested in volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our website or contact our office to learn how you can help support healthcare in our region. 

Your support helps ensure quality

healthcare for Canadians



Thank you for being part of the community that stands strong together in ensuring equal access to healthcare for all. Visit our Ways to Give Page to explore options for showing your continued support.

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation | (250) 755-7690 | nanaimohospital.com

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