A local couple from Gravenhurst has made the largest single gift from a living donor in the history of the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF). The $2 million gift, from Bary and Brenda Gray, is a game-changer for the diagnostic imaging department at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. In recognition of their extraordinary gift, the imaging department will be renamed the Bary and Brenda Gray Diagnostic Imaging Department.

This generous donation will be used to purchase new ultrasound and radiology equipment including a new digital radiology (x-ray) unit and new ultrasound units, as well as upgrades to the rooms. The current x-ray unit is partially digital but also uses cassettes that require additional processing to digitize the images. The new units will allow an image to be taken and within seconds, the technologist will know if it is acceptable. The new units are remarkably ergonomic, meaning less fatigue for its operators. And most importantly, the image quality will be much better, ensuring faster and more accurate diagnosis.

The generosity of the Grays’ gift came after two visits to the emergency department when Bary suffered an urgent health issue. The couple was overwhelmed by the excellence of the care and attention Bary received. “Both times we arrived during a shift change,” recalls Brenda, “yet Bary received prompt and caring attention from good-natured staff.”

The Grays have enjoyed many years in Muskoka. Initially, they vacationed in Gravenhurst, golfing and staying at a local resort. They decided to build their retirement home in 1999, but used it as a casual residence for 10 years until Bary was ready to retire in 2019.

When they moved to Gravenhurst as permanent residents, they weren’t sure they would find the same quality of health care as in the city.

The visits to the emergency department alleviated any doubts. Since then, the Grays have found a local doctor and dentist. “Along with the rest of the health care team at the hospital,” says Bary, “we really feel we couldn’t be in better hands.”

Why such a generous gift? “Quality health care and a well-equipped hospital are so important to a community,” says Brenda. “We feel very fortunate to be in the position to show our gratitude in this way.”

SMHF Executive Director Colin Miller says, “Many people don’t realize how important donors are to the range of services a community hospital can offer,”

he explains. “The Grays’ generosity will benefit the South Muskoka community for many years to come.”

our community is our foundation.

FALL 2020 ISSUE

our hospitalIn March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared,

Ontarians wondered if the crisis that had overwhelmed health care systems of countries overseas would be experienced here at home. Fears of the unknown rose as the first Canadian coronavirus cases were announced.

What was happening inside our hospital at that time?

Continue reading on next page >

Historic $2 million donation earmarked for diagnostic imaging

“Quality health care and a well-equipped hospital are so important to a community. We feel very fortunate to be in the position to show our gratitude in this way.”

< Continued from previous page

Janice Raine, Chief Executive, Nursing & Clinical Services, says it started with emergency response planning by the hospital’s pandemic command team, reviewing provincial directives from the Ministry of Health to prepare. Staff worked together to quickly implement those directives, which changed frequently as the developing situation evolved. By the middle of March, hospitals across Ontario were directed to reduce non-essential services, including postponing elective surgeries, except for urgent cases.

Keeping staff and patients safe meant that protocols had to be adapted and new ones developed. Visitor access to the hospital was restricted, and those coming to hospital for essential care were screened for COVID-19 at the entrance. All Auxiliary-based volunteer activities were suspended. Preparing for a potential COVID-19 influx meant transitioning patients out of the hospital to create capacity for what might come.

“We started wearing more personal protective equipment (PPE) in the hospitals,” Raine recalls. “We implemented additional infection control protocols, physically distanced our patients, enforced additional isolation precautions, and augmented our staffing.”

The personal protective equipment supply chain challenges at the beginning of the pandemic had everyone concerned. “We didn’t know how long the supply would last,” Raine explained. While the Materials Management department sought supplies, staff were encouraged to conserve.

In the inpatient areas, anyone suspected of having COVID-19 had to be isolated in a private room with health care workers appropriately garbed to provide care. Over the course of the pandemic so far, more than 1,400 patients

(at both hospitals) have required a COVID test on admission, and each hospital has cared for three COVID-positive inpatients. Until test results come back, patients remain under investigation and isolated. Constant movement of patients to the most

appropriate location has been an ongoing challenge for nursing and environmental services. And minimizing the number of staff in contact with COVID or suspected COVID patients has required streamlining activities involved in direct patient care.

“Our day-to-day work became managing COVID and ensuring we had enough staff,” Raine said. “I can’t say enough about how hard everyone is working, together as a team. We are all in this together.”

All departments have to maintain physical distancing, and creating additional areas for waiting and patient care at each hospital was very challenging where space is already tight. Walls needed to be built, rooms needed to be renovated, and the maintenance department rose to the occasion.

“All team members had to collaborate,” says Raine, “because each department couldn’t accomplish what needed to be done without assistance from another department.”

As months passed by and hospitals were directed to restart services that had been postponed for the potential surge, volumes and traffic have grown and inpatient occupancy is back to pre-pandemic levels.

“Our staff are on the frontlines with the virus every day for our communities,” says Raine. “We are a stronger team, brought closer together by the crisis. Spirits are still good. We’re all helpful to each other. Everyone tries to help.”

As for the second wave, Raine says with confidence: “We’re ready.”

Our staff are on the frontlines with the virus every day for our communities. We are a stronger

team, brought closer together by the crisis.

From inside a pandemic:our hospital

Janice Raine, Chief Executive, Nursing & Clinical Services

COLIN MILLER, Executive Director, South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

JODIE EVANSChair

KEVIN SMITHVice-Chair

DAVID SMITHTreasurer

NATALIE BUBELADirector

ROBINSON CLARKDirector

KEITH CROSSDirector

RON DOTYDirector

MARK GIDLEYDirector

GLENN GREAVETTEDirector

PAUL HAMMONDDirector

LESLIE WILFORDDirector

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

2020-2021Pandemic can’t quash altruism

COLIN MILLER

We are grateful to have witnessedthis outpouring of compassion.“

“

Can there be a silver lining to COVID-19? One wouldn’t think so. Yet again and again, we have witnessed acts of altruism, almost from the moment the pandemic was declared.

Altruism is the ultimate spirit of giving — when we act to promote another’s welfare, even at our own risk or cost. And that is precisely what we have seen from our community.

In March, the Foundation launched a COVID-19 Emergency Fund and asked for support from the community. The fund’s purpose was to supply three new ICU beds as well as address other needs that could arise. That request was the spark that ignited an explosion of generosity. So many people from all sectors of our community came forward to donate or to run a fundraiser on our behalf. Support came from everyone: year-round residents, seasonal residents, and businesses — both local and corporate. New, occasional and stalwart donors all came forward with enthusiasm and compassion.

The third-party fundraisers were interestingly creative and diverse. A 17-year-old cottager swam eight kilometres around Tondern Island. Two young women sold beautiful custom-made bracelets. A brand-new business donated a portion of every appointment and another business hosted multiple virtual fitness classes with proceeds to the hospital. An expectant mother and business owner hosted a guess-the-due-date fundraiser. Two realty

companies partnered and raised funds from the community and then both companies matched those donations — tripling the original amount.

Another challenge presented itself: our traditional fundraising golf tournaments were cancelled due to COVID-19. Our longest-standing golf tournament, the Dave Ellis Pro-Am, could not be held for the first time in 34 years. The organizers asked players and sponsors to donate instead and we watched in amazement as they surpassed their $20,000 goal.

Recently we received the largest ever donation from a living individual — altruism personified. This $2 million gift will go to our diagnostic imaging department to update facilities and purchase new equipment.

We also received many atypical gifts that supported our most valuable resource — our staff. People donated meals for the staff who worked long and hard to care for patients and adapt to the new protocols. There were offers of housing for any staff who were concerned about bringing the virus home to their families. Businesses dropped off PPE at our doors with no expectations in return. Everyone wanted to do what they could to help and it became a flood of generosity.

Altruism. In a difficult time, it came to us in so many ways. We are grateful to have witnessed this outpouring of compassion.

Thank YouSouth Muskoka Hospital Foundation is grateful for every donation it receives.

The following individuals, businesses, and organizations made gifts of $500 or morebetween July 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020.

for your gift.

We make every attempt to ensure the accuracy of this list. If we have accidentally omitted or misspelled your name,please contact us at the Foundation office.

4 Star Drywall (99) Ltd.Abundance CanadaJohn & Karen ActonAJL Janssen Landscaping Ltd.Bonnie & David AlexanderCindi AlexanderAll About KitchensAll Ontario Recycling Inc.Charles & Sandra AllbonAllport MarinaLucio & Angie AngelucciTrevor & Lynda ApplebyLarry & Evelyn ArchibaldBrett AshtonSally AshtonFred & Janet AugermanRon & Pauline AustinAuxiliary to the South Muskoka Memorial HospitalAubrey & Marsha BaillieMarcus BakerGus BarilJeff & Gale BarnesAlice & Tom BastedoKaren BeattyLorrie J. BeavisRuth Bell-TownsBenevity Community Impact FundBigwin Realty Inc.Janet BillettSonja Morawetz & Steven BlevinsJeffrey and Janice BlyBradley & Lorna BowesRichard & Joan BoxerMalcolm & Leslee BoyesBrent QuarriesBrian BrocklehurstDan & Cynthia BrooksK. Joanne BrownAmanda & Chris BrownKevin & Cheryl BrowneBrowning Island Cottagers’ AssociationJoyce & James BrubakerGlad BryceNatalie & Constantine BubelaMarg & Jeff BuddoPatricia Burns

Guy Burry & Liz LundellTye & Janet BurtDon & Diane BurwellCadreCary CainCall of the Wild SanitationMarian & Wilson CampbellShirley CampbellCanada Life Assurance CompanyCanadian Tire GravenhurstCanadian Tire BracebridgeWilliam & Jane CannonRobert & Andrea CarlsonBrian CartwrightCasey Contracting Muskoka Ltd.Castle Peak Residents’ CouncilCastle Peak Retirement Residence Inc.Cavalcade FordCBRE LimitedCedar GroupUngad & Stephanie Rickard ChaddaRon ChafeeCharles Norcliffe Baker & Thelma Scott Baker FoundationChestnut Park Real Estate LimitedAndrew Chisholm & Laurie ThomsonChuck McNair ElectricEd & Mary-Lou ChuterMartin & Marilyn (Love) ClaguePeter & Catharine ClarkRob & Sydney ClarkBob and Marnie ClarkeGwen & Bob ClarkeSherida & Phillip ClarkeClarke Muskoka Construction & ProjectFred & Bonnie ClaytonJohn & Pattie CleghornHarold & Marilyn ClementsDennis & Leslie ClevelandDon & Helen CoatesMitchell CohenJoy CohnstaedtMarilyn & Richard ColesJoan ColnettDoriene ColsonConam Charitable FoundationCuyler & Margaret Conway

Coote, Hiley & Jemmett Ltd.Bob & Fran CornellTerry and Helen CorriganKen & Linda CoulsonArnie & Lauri CoulsonDonna Coulson & Ken RobinsonJana & Keith CoulsonCoulson Bros. Scow ServiceChristopher & Louise CraggGordon CreberDoug CrossKatherine & William CrossKeith & Tacy CrossVictoria CulottaCurb Signs Inc.John & Elizabeth CurranGeorge CurrieDale & Lessmann LLPBruce DanardRay & Susan DannielsDave Ellis Pro Am Golf TournamentAlfred & Martha DavisHelen DawsonMichael & Janet DawsonHarry DebesVicki DechertLeo DelzottoFern & Paul DempseyCarey DiamondWilliam & Joan DickieArnold & Elizabeth DikerBrian & Shirley DomelleDon and Shirley Green Charitable FoundationDonald F. Hunter Charitable FoundationRon & Mary DotyEleanor & George DouglasJon DoveAnthony DrohomyreckyBarry DukeDunc Brown Contracting Ltd.Janice & Robert DunlopPatrick W. DunnPaul & Stasia DunnEagle Landing Inc.Earl Ferguson Construction Inc.Earthline Foundations and Shoring Ltd.Beverley & Richard Eastwood

Paul EcclestoneBill & Marion EdwardsGeorge & Penney EdwardsWendy EisenGary & Susan ElliottCarol EllisPaul ErbEric Grundy Sales Ltd.Estate of Alexander McDonaldEstate of Betty Leone FitzmauriceEstate of Donald Glenwood CoatesEstate of Hubert Beresford ClinchEstate of Peter Bowman StuartEstate of Peter John HarrisBill & Barbara EtheringtonDon & Neena EvansJodie & Randy EvansFamily Wealth Consulting Inc.Harold & Susan FeatherstonWilliam FeePaul & Laura FeickBob & Kelly FennJohn & Lorna FennPhyllis & Graeme FergusonLorne & Gail FillmanNancy Finch & Daniel HenshawFinkler - Friedland Family FoundationRobert FinlaysonLisa & Stephen FitzmauriceFitzmaurice Brothers Carpentry Ltd.Danny & Laurel FleisherDave FluckerAllen & Jinny FlyeJohn & Kelly FlyeBruce & Karen FraserMargarete Fromm-CameronG Wallace Investments Ltd.Gagnon’s Independent GrocerBrenlee GalesJim & Iris GardinerJohn & Annabelle GarrowShirley GatesKenneth GeeBrenda GefuciaMark & Patricia GidleyNewton GlassmanDan & Lynn GliddonNorman & Jean GoringMark GrammerDavid GrandDouglas GrandBary & Brenda GrayWilliam & Lynne GrayGreavette Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC Ltd.Angela Green

Robin GreenShirley & Don GreenGreen Country Farms Ltd.Alan Greenberg & Darcia RowntreeRon & Debby GriffithsRobert & Marcia GroskorthKay and Richard GurbinLarry HallPaul & Shirley HammondBrad & Louise HammondAnn HansenHarbour Real Estate Investments Inc.Harold E. Ballard FoundationBrian & Valerie HarrisHarris, Sheaffer LLPDoug HartkornDebbie & Jamie HastingsWilliam & Christine HemensChris HendersonHermant Family FoundationHenry & Elvira HildebrandtHarry D.L. & Alverna HillNancy HillDavid & Donna HillyardWilliam & Rosalie HitchcockJeff & Judy HodgesEnno & Marina HoekstraGordon & Shirley HollingworthHome Building Centre - GravenhurstCourtney HoodHoos LawJames C. & Carol HoskinsJoanne HoskinsDean & Pamela HowardCarol HoworuchaMike HudsonJohn & Elizabeth HudswellLillian HunterJohn C. HurlbutRalph & Eleanor HutchingsNeil HutchinsonJoseph and Janet HutterHydro One Networks Inc.Biagio Iannantuono & Stamatina KapposIBM Canada Inc.Benjamin ImrieDan ImrieIndianhead HarbourMonique and John InglesonBob JacobJames Thwaites Ltd.Jason A. Armstrong “Drive Muskoka”Kenneth E. & Edie JewettJoan & David Moore FundJohn McConnell & Margaret Ann Wilson McConnell Foundation

Steve and Jane JonesJSW Manufacturing Inc.John & Gisela JurgeneitK.W. Rogers Insurance BrokersJorg KagiKathnan Investments LimitedKavelman Fonn FoundationKawartha Credit UnionDon & Shirley KennedyKathryn KentChristine & Jim KerrBoris & Carol KikelyVerla KillerKnowles Plumbing Ltd.Kubota North & the Jackson FamilyWayne & Chris KummerGary & Ellen LachanceJan LackstromLadies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion GravenhurstLake of Bays AssociationLakeland Holding Ltd.Donald & Karen LangStuart & Kim LangJames & Joya LarockLawrason FoundationEdgar & Jill LeederMaryella & Doug LeggatRodger LeslieSteven LesterJane & Dick LeVanSarah LibfeldLinda Frum & Howard Sokolowski Charitable FoundationBrett LindrosLions Club - Peninsula Lions ClubLions Club - Stephenson District

Than

k yo

u.

Lions Club of BaysvilleLions Club of BracebridgeLions Club of Port CarlingLions Foundation - BracebridgeHubert & France LippeAndrew Sheiner and Liza MauerBarry & Carol LockhartJon & Nancy LoveDoug & Nancy LowSteve LowSteve LowdenPeter LyndM & S Whipp Ltd.Rob MacDonaldClyde & Kelly MacDuffJames MacLeanGail & John MacNaughtonJoseph & Louise MacNeilScott and Sheila MacNicolCindy & Bill MaillingHeather MalnickBob & Lois ManningMuriel MarshallMonica MartinMartin Heichert Ltd.Elizabeth MasonPhil & Elizabeth MatthewsMcCarthy TetraultAnna & James McConnachMarty & Claire McConnellDorothy McCulloughKatherine McDevittAlexander & Marion McDonaldMcDonalds Restaurants of MuskokaRobert McEwenBlair McKayPeter & Margaret McLarenPeter and Virginia McLaughlinAmy McLeish & Jean-Guy LafleurRobert McLeish & Carol ConlinKatherine McLeodPaul & Barbara McNicolMark McQueenDon J. McVittieMargaret & Michael MichalskiMilford Bay Cafe & Corner StoreRoss & Louanne MillerColin A. MillerMyles MindhamMNP LLPModern Home Carpet OneModern Road Inc.Gary & Judy MooreLois MooreWilliam MooreRobert Moores

Douglas MorleyCatherine MorrisonJohn MorrisonK. David MuirCraig A. MurrayMuskoka Bay Golf CorporationMuskoka BreweryMuskoka Chrysler SalesMuskoka Community FoundationMuskoka Custom CleaningMuskoka Drilling & BlastingMuskoka HighlandsMuskoka Highlands Golf LinksMuskoka Home Builders’ AssociationMuskoka KiaMuskoka Lakes AssociationMuskoka Lakes Golf and Country ClubMuskoka Lumber & Building Supply CentreMuskoka OriginalsMuskoka Pioneer PowerMuskoka Timber MillsMuskoka Window & Door CentreJef P. MuyshondtMark & Donna NaylorStephen NeilAndrew NelanNewall Family Foundation TrustNewlands Family FoundationNewton Glassman Charitable FoundationNick NicolaouNorStar Aluminium Products Ltd. Northpine FoundationHilary NotkinEdwin & Margot NuferAdam and Dena OchshornMaureen & Carl OfieldAlanne & Georginia O’GallagherOld Muskoka Lakers Hockey TeamJames OnionsOrigin Merchant PartnersDesmond & Pamela O’RorkeMartin & Sheila O’ShaughnessyLen OverbeakP. Medley & Sons Ltd.Lou & Jennifer PagnuttiJean & Donald ParsonsJoyce & Malcolm PayneNeil PayneBob & Deb PeacockMargaret PeacockPeerage Realty Partners Inc.Penguin Properties Inc.Persimmon Golf Inc.Ian & Elizabeth PhibbsKent & Susie PhillipsPineridge Homeowners’ Association

Pittsburgh Muskoka FoundationPlad Properties Inc.Douglas & Diane PorterMichele PowerNeville & Viviene PoyPropeller Fine HomesRobert PurvesJoseph QuinnThomas QuinnRayworth FamilyRBCRBC FoundationRead Elliott Family FoundationRaymond & Sandy ReichertGeorge & Alana ReidJohn & Pamela RennieRichard Wallace Real EstateJohn RichardsonPeter & Jan RickardPaul & Susan RiedlingerWilliam RiversEvelyn RobertsAlana RobinsonTrent & Carol RobinsonStuart & Marlene RobsonRocky Island Tire Co.Ron Austin ElectricalRotary Club of BracebridgeRotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka LakesRotary Club of GravenhurstBill & Joan RowlandRoyal Canadian Legion, Branch 161 (Bracebridge)RP Investment Advisors LPS.E.C. Education Foundation EDF Charitable FundPeter F. SaleSam Yakubowicz Family FoundationLisa & Robert SaundersJosie & O.R.J. SavijarviRolf & Rosemarie SchoeneScotiabankGifford & Lesley ScottRon & Pauline ScottRichard ScullyEdward P. SeagramErica SegalMary SharpMuriel ShawAlfred & Heather SherkLydia ShierBob & Joan ShookJudy ShuteCliff SiftonGeorge & Marion SimpsonJohn Sisson

Than

k yo

u.

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL: DAVID RIDER

Our cottage is on an island on Lake Muskoka. On a weekend in early October, it was time to winterize the cottage as the season was quickly coming to an end. I was storing a boat in the boathouse when a gas line broke and spilled some gas on the floor of the boat. I was using a trouble light to see and the gas ignited.

Fortunately, the local marina operator saw the fire and came over and called for an ambulance. The paramedics met us at the marina and off we went to South Muskoka Hospital in Bracebridge. Upon arrival at emergency, I was quickly attended to by the resident doctor. I suffered second-degree burns to my face and hands. Pictures of my burns were taken and immediately forwarded to the burn clinic at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. They sent back instructions and the doctor and nurses removed burnt skin, applied bandages and gave me pain killers. I was then admitted to Sunnybrook Burn Unit for two weeks of surgery and care.

I was very impressed with the staff at South Muskoka as they were competent, caring and quick to assess and bring together a team to look after me. It was my second visit to South Muskoka as I had previously spent almost a month there. I can’t say enough about the quality of care and the teamwork that is evident in this institution.

Boyd & Cathy SmithDavid & Rosemarie SmithGertrude & Ronald SmithJeff SmithKevin & Natalie SmithTimothy SmithKeith & Linda SommervilleWarren SpitzSt. George’s Church - FalkenburgShirley & William StaffordTom & Linda SteadmanMorley & Dawn StephenRichard and Jennifer StephenStephen’s Butcher ShopJim & Jinty StewartStikeman Elliott Law CompanyStonegate Private Counsel - MuskokaMary & John StoreyAnn E. & Michael StotenFred StreimanPeter & Alberta StringhamSubaru of MuskokaTaboo Resort & Conference CentreTamarack North Ltd.Elizabeth Tell-BrieseTracy TennantTerence MarineRichard & Karen TerryThe Edge Benefits Inc.Charles & Audrey Thibault

Brian & Nancy ThompsonJennifer ThompsonJames & Sally ThomsonThomson Terminals Ltd.Kirk & Mary ThorntonWalter & Dianne ThurTitanium Logistics Inc.Maggie TomlinsonTorkin Manes LLPToronto FoundationTown & Country Automotive/EssoTown of BracebridgeTown of GravenhurstTownship of Muskoka LakesFrancois TremblayTri Lakes TrainingTrue North Log HomesBarbara TuckerLinda & Peter TurveyUJA Federation of Greater TorontoUnited Way of Greater TorontoUnited Way OttawaBarbara & Peter Van CapelleCatherine & Dale VanclieafJohn & Elena VellaVerge Insurance GroupVeridian Corporation (Elexicon Energy Inc.)Wahta Mohawk First NationPhilip WaiteFrederick J. Walker

Murray WalkerKatharine & Robert G. WalkerRichard & Janet WallaceBruce WalterAlan & Carole WardJudith WatsonVictoria WeaverWeed Man MuskokaWeismiller Tim-Br MartWeisz Family FoundationWes Finch & Sons Excavating Ltd.Robert WestDavid & Anne WetheraldKatharine WilliamsPeter and Eve WillisCarol WilsonCynthia WilsonGordon WilsonWindermere & District Lions ClubWindermere Women’s InstituteDaniel WittlinHenry Wolfond & Rochelle ReichertThomas & Elspeth WoodBurton & Leslie WrayBob & Joan WrightLiora & Simon YakubowiczGordon & Michele Young

If you would like to give the gift of life, please contact the Foundation office or visit our web-site at www.healthmuskoka.ca

In 2019/2020 we raisedYour Generosity Matters

u purchase new equipmentu make facility renovationsu support staff and patients during COVID19

THANKS TO

28%Bequests 43%

Individualsand Foundations

20%Community

Organizationsand Corporations

6%

3%Memorials

SpecialEvents

$3,267,458

With your support we’ve been able to

Lake Muskoka Legend As a Canadian living in England, 17-year-old Caroline Lewitt knew she wanted to do something to help as COVID-19 spread across both of the countries she loved. Every summer she spent time at the family cottage on Lake Muskoka. In her early teens, she competed at the Canadian National Championships as a member of MUSAC (Muskoka’s swim club) where she was warmly welcomed, made great friends, and where she continues to hold several club records.

A competitive swimmer, Caroline was robbed of her chance to compete internationally because of the pandemic. That loss combined with the insights her brother shared about his experiences as a volunteer emergency medical technician inspired Caroline to help in some way.

It didn’t take her long to come up with an idea. She wrote to 40 local friends and family members and asked them to sponsor an eight-kilometre swim around Tondern Island on Lake Muskoka. The money raised would go to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund recently announced by the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.

“As summer residents,” says Caroline, “many of us have benefitted from the services of our local hospital so I wanted to find a way to help support our local health care providers at this difficult and unprecedented time.”

Caroline literally dove into her new challenge upon her arrival in Muskoka in July. Having not had access to a pool since mid-March, she built her stamina gradually by swimming in Lake Muskoka for a few kilometres every day. Her goal was to raise $5,000 for the hospital.

Her recollections of the swim that day: “I completed the swim on Friday, August 14 and luckily, it was a lovely morning. I started from the bottom of Tondern Island at roughly 7:30 a.m. I swam north, past the Beaumaris yacht club and then south down through Milford Bay. Other than in front of the club, the lake was calm meaning that it was rather enjoyable. I ended up completing the swim in just under two hours which I was very pleased with… and rather surprised too; my goal had been to complete it in under three hours.”

Caroline exceeded her goal by $600, raising a total of $5,600.

Caroline at the start of her swim at the bottom of Squirrel Island, adjacent to Tondern Island, about to head north.

If you would like to give the gift of life, please contact the Foundation office or visit our web-site at www.healthmuskoka.ca

Anyone can be a hero.“

“

GIVING BACK

Giving back community highlights

Muskoka Lakes Bracelets was founded in 2019 by two long-time Muskoka cottagers, Tamara Bahry and Amanda Petrovic, who wanted to help their community. This year, proceeds from the sale of their custom-designed bracelets will go to the hospital. The bracelets are gold or silver in the shape of either Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph or Lake Rosseau. Fundraiser lasts until the end of 2020, go to https://www.muskokalakesbracelets.ca/ for more info.

The Muskoka Lash Spa Boutique is a brand-new business in Gravenhurst and owner Larissa Barritt is

already contributing to her community by donating $5 from every appointment to the hospital. To support this

initiative, call (705) 543-1226.

thankyou.

The Muskoka Community Foundation (MCF) hosted a Stay-at-Home Gala across Muskoka on May 2nd. Social distancing at its finest, this first-of-its-kind event hosted all the familiar elements: dinner (delivered), speakers, entertainers, musicians and more. The Foundation received a portion of the proceeds, which totaled $9,800.From left, event organizer Shelly McLean, Katherine Craine of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, MCF Chair Daniel Bradbury, Colin Miller of the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, and event organizer Beth Goodhew.

The Dave Ellis Pro-Am Golf Tournament wasn’t held this year, for the first time since 1986, due to COVID-19. Organizers

asked players and sponsors, in memory of Dave Ellis and the past 33 years of the fundraiser’s history, to donate their registration or

sponsorship. The result was that they surpassed their goal and even exceeded last year’s total and raised $20,851.

Back row, from left: Lynne Ellis, with tournament organizers Leslie Cleveland, Jen Stephen and Neil Paton present a cheque to (front row,

from left), South Muskoka Hospital Foundation Executive Director Colin Miller and Development Officer Leah Walker.

We ask and you listened. And responded. Thank you. When our community heard that the Foundation had created an emergency fund to help support the hospital during COVID-19, the ideas and help came swiftly in so many new and creative ways. We are grateful for all your efforts.

our community

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________

Province: _____________ Postal Code: _________________

Telephone: ___________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

All donations are tax deductible and will be receipted.Registered Charitable No. 11915 7998 RR0001

75 Ann StreetBracebridge, ON P1L 2E4T: 705-645-4404 ext. 3193

South MuskokaHospital foundationSouth Muskoka

Hospital foundation

healthmuskoka.ca

Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.

thank you.

My (our) cheque is enclosed in the amount of:

$25 $50 $100 $250

$500 Other $ __________

Cheque enclosed

Please charge my Visa ® MasterCard ® American Express ®

Name on Card: _____________________________________________

Card Number: _____________________________________________

Expiry Date: _______________________________________________

I/We have made a provision for a bequest in our will.

Please send me information on making a gift in my will.

Tri Lakes Training hosted multiple virtual fitness classes with more than $2,000 going to the hospital. Owner (and new mom) Ashley Waites wanted to do even more, so she held a guess-the-due-date fundraiser raising $480. Photo shows Ashley doing her best to balance many balls.

Chestnut Park Real Estate and Peerage Realty Partners started campaigning back in June and, through

the community, raised $10,003 for the hospital. Chestnut Park and Peerage Realty each matched the community

donations, tripling the total to $30,009. At left, Chris Kapches, President and CEO of Chestnut Park Real Estate

and Gavin Swartzman, CEO of Peerage Realty Partners.

is our foundation.

social@southmuskokahospitalfoundation

we’re

f

our community is our foundation.

Our Privacy StatementSouth Muskoka Hospital Foundation appreciates your generous financial support. We recognize your right to privacy and we pledge to protect it. The information you have provided to us will be used to process your donation(s) and to provide you with acknowlegement and an appropriate receipt.

From time to time, we may use your contact information to keep you informed of other activities, events and/or fundraising opportunities in support of the Foundation.

We are pleased to send you our biannual newsletter.

The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation does not trade or sell donor lists. If at anytime you do not wish to be listed in our recognition programs or to receive our newsletter, please contact us at: (705) 645-4404, ext. 3193 or email at info@healthmuskoka.ca

healthmuskoka.ca

t

A perfect gift for the

holidays...Consider giving a gift in honour of a special someone.You can support the hospital and, at the same time,

offer a meaningful gift.

Each recipient will receive a beautiful holiday card which can be customized and mailed on your behalf, or provided for you to hand deliver.

75 Ann Street, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 2E4

What could be easier? Call or email for more information, or go online towww.healthmuskoka.ca/givetoday (705) 645-4404 x3193Email: info@healthmuskoka.ca