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Hi!
It’s November, and while we’re enjoying some unseasonably warm temperatures, we’re reflecting on a number of observances that this month brings.
Firstly, we honour a day that’s near and dear to all of our hearts here at WRHN Foundation: National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15. Below you’ll find a message from our Foundation CEO Doug Earle (be sure to click the link to read further).
Also on Nov. 15, it’s World Prematurity Day. We’re sharing a story about remarkable twins born nine weeks early at WRHN – and how they’re giving back more than eight years later. November is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Make a Will Month. Read on for practical tips about both.
Now, enjoy the content we’ve created and packaged – just for you.
Please take a moment to share your feedback at the bottom of this email. It will help us tailor content so you can get the most out of this monthly communication.
As always, thanks for supporting local healthcare in our community.
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My full-circle moment: what National Philanthropy Day means to me
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Marking his first year as CEO, Doug Earle reflects on his journey as a fundraising professional and leader – from securing his very first gift as a university student more than 30 years ago to witnessing the transformative power of donor support across our community today.
Read his special National Philanthropy Day message to see how your generosity is bringing world-class care and hope to families right here at home.
| | From tiny fighters to big hearts | |
For World Prematurity Day, we’re celebrating two very special former NICU patients.
Born unexpectedly early at 31 weeks, twins Sophie and Leo spent their first 38 days receiving dedicated care in WRHN’s neonatal intensive care unit.
Now thriving eight-year-olds, the twins decided to give back by asking for NICU donations instead of birthday gifts. Read how these former tiny fighters turned their party into an inspiring fundraiser in support of WRHN’s tiniest patients.
| | In the latest episode of Inside WRHN, Foundation CEO Doug Earle sits down with Sara Kaune, Director, Cancer Program and Regional Director Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program. Learn how cancer care has evolved at WRHN, and what donor support makes possible for the future. | | Lung cancer screening can save your life | |
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“Up to 70 per cent of lung cancers are diagnosed in Stage 3 or Stage 4, and when it’s caught late, survival drops significantly.
So catching it early, before symptoms are present, is incredibly important.”
— Dr. Neil Naik, Regional Primary Care Lead or Cancer Screening and Detection for Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo, and WRHN Foundation Board member
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Ontario Lung Screening Program
Did you know lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Ontario? For many patients, lung cancer diagnoses come too late, meaning it’s harder to treat.
WRHN is one of 15 hospitals and healthcare sites across the province that offers OHIP-covered lung screening for high-risk individuals. You can even self-refer.
See if you qualify for free screening through the Ontario Lung Screening Program.
| | Your legacy, your impact: Leaving a gift in your will | | |
A legacy gift is a lasting act of philanthropy – a personal pledge to secure a stronger healthcare system for your friends, family and neighbours.
November is Make a Will Month. Is your Will up to date?
Creating a charitable gift of any size for WRHN Foundation in your Will ensures future generations receive the care, compassion, and innovation they deserve. It’s a simple, meaningful way to protect your community's future while leaving a legacy that reflects your personal values.
The Impact of a gift in your Will: flexibility, comfort, and fulfilment
- You keep control of your money and property during your lifetime, so your daily living doesn’t change
- Tax credits from a gift in your Will lowers the final taxes owed by your estate, leaving more for your family
- It’s a meaningful way to honour your life, your family, or a loved one
Interested in adding WRHN Foundation to your Will? You can download our charitable bequest confirmation form to get started or connect with us to learn more.
| | Legacy giving: Why Edgar gave back | | Edgar Reinhart enjoyed the simple things — a good chat, a vanilla milkshake, and helping others. After receiving a life-saving pacemaker at WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd., Edgar spent over a decade giving back as a dedicated volunteer. When he died at 88, his kindness lived on through an extraordinary $232,000 estate gift to WRHN Foundation. | | Maximizing your impact: Donating stocks and securities | | |
Last month, we shared a Q&A about the benefits of donating stocks and securities. Here’s an example* with our fictitious donor – let’s call him Phil Anthropy – to show how your impact can go further with a gift of securities.
The situation: Phil wants to give $100,000 to WRHN Foundation. He bought stocks years ago for $20,000 that are now worth $100,000. He’s in the top tax bracket in Ontario with a marginal tax rate of 53.53%.
Option 1: Selling the stocks first, then donating the ‘after-tax’ cash
If Phil sells the stocks, he makes an $80,000 profit (capital gain).
He has to pay roughly $21,412 in income tax on that profit, leaving $78,588 to donate to WRHN Foundation.
Option 2: Donating the stocks directly
By donating the stocks directly to WRHN Foundation, Phil pays $0 tax on the profit.
WRHN Foundation gets the full $100,000 – funding critical equipment for our community – and Phil gets a tax receipt/credit to lower his overall income taxes.
Interested in donating stocks and securities?
| | *Intended as an example only. We recommend consulting your personal tax or financial advisor to discuss the best strategy for your individual circumstances. | | Waterloo Region’s new hospital: Latest update | | |
Plans for Waterloo Region's new hospital (WRHN @ The University) are moving forward after achieving key milestones, including updated site plans, phased design work, and provincial planning investment.
Read the latest update from Oct. 14 on how the three-phase project is moving along to expand regional healthcare capacity in our community.
| | Join WRHN Foundation Volunteers and make an impact in our community | At WRHN Foundation, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you have a few hours during the holiday season or want to help inspire ongoing support for local healthcare, we have two meaningful ways for you to get involved! | Sixth annual WRHN Foundation holiday gift wrapping: Volunteers needed | | |
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to launch our sixth annual holiday gift wrapping fundraiser at Conestoga Mall, sponsored by TD Bank Group.
Since 2021, this event has raised over $68,000 to help support kids care at WRHN. We're looking for gift wrapping volunteers.
📅 Key Details
- Dates: Monday, December 7 to Thursday, December 24
- Shifts: Various 2.5 to 4.0 hour shifts available.
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sundays: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24): 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
| | Join us as a table host for WRHN’s upcoming healthcare breakfast events | | |
We are hosting four brief, 1-hour breakfasts in March to share the real impact of local healthcare initiatives across four key areas: Cancer Care, Cardiac Care, Children’s Health, and Rehabilitation.
We are seeking Table Captains to invite 9 guests—friends, relatives, acquaintances or neighbours (FRAN)—to learn more about WRHN programs and consider how you and your FRANs can support better healthcare closer to home.
If you are interested in hosting a complimentary table or learning more, please contact Trevor at Trevor@wrhnf.ca.
| | “It’s about people”: WRHN Foundation announces more than $1 million in fundraising at Insiders Gala | | |
In a room filled with donors, community builders, care team members, and senior hospital and foundation leaders, individuals who are building, transforming, and inspiring the future of care in Waterloo Region came together on Oct. 20 to support Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) at WRHN Foundation’s Insiders Gala.
A total fundraising amount of $1,068,000 was announced. Nearly $600,000 was raised by the 250 attendees in the room, including an anonymous $250,000 donation. An additional $481,000 gift from Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association (GRHVA) was unveiled in support of the Foundation’s upcoming holiday Wish Book campaign.
| | From our Grateful Patients | |
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“To my team: My deepest, heartfelt thanks to all for their extremely competent and professional care.
I feel like I have had the incredible good fortune to meet and get care from among the absolute best in their fields.”
— Cardiac patient
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“The high level of professionalism, technical expertise, and attentive clinical care demonstrated by your staff was instrumental in my treatment and recovery.
Your commitment to maintaining excellent healthcare standards under demanding conditions is deeply commendable and thoroughly appreciated.”
— Cancer patient
| | | | Save the Date: GivingTuesday is Dec 1st! | Mark your calendars! Join the global movement that celebrates the power of giving. GivingTuesday is coming up on December 1st. We’ll be sharing some exciting news as the date approaches, so stay tuned! | |
🌟 WRHN Foundation: Join the conversation on social
| | Check out the social media highlights below to browse our latest event photos, stories and community updates. | | |
@Nuala-Jackson-Sloan
Nuala talks about being an Insiders Gala attendee.
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@hospital-news
News of latest technology being used at WRHN.
| | @Joanna-Moore
Joanna recaps the WRHN Connect Coffee Tasting event. | |
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Pediatrics @ Midtown: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Cancer @ Midtown: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
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Cardiac @ Queen's Blvd.: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN)'s winter pre-order collection is now open, with returning favourites and fresh accessories for everyone!
Browse the collection and order by Thursday, November 12.
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WRHN NEXT
📆 Mon. Nov. 16 | 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 Tannery Event Centre
Join us for WRHN NEXT Nov. 16 at the Tannery Event Centre. It will be one of the first community opportunities to meet and hear from Kate Traianopoulos, WRHN's new Vice President of Redevelopment, through a fireside chat.
Register now
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Community Town Hall
📆 Thurs. Nov. 26 | 6 - 7:30pm
📍 Grand Valley Golf Course
Learn how WRHN and CMH are working to meet the diverse and changing needs of the communities they serve — and how they’re working together to provide care, when it’s needed and where it’s needed.
Register now
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