Bowmanville Hospital Foundation: 2023/2024 Annual Report Update

Gratitude overflows as we reflect on the unwavering support of our exceptional donors, volunteers, staff, and community champions, driving the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation through a truly remarkable 2023/2024 fiscal year. Building upon the successes of the previous year, where heartfelt contributions fueled our mission, we stand proud amidst continued dedication and generosity. The We Care, We Can campaign, launched in 2019, has a goal to raise the community share of $110 million, the largest fundraising initiative in the foundation's history. As we progress, this campaign remains top priority as it funnels directly to the redevelopment, expansion, and equipment needs of the Bowmanville Hospital. 

With a steadfast commitment to enhance the well-being of our community, the foundation's campaign has reached a critical juncture, as ground-breaking is scheduled for the fall of 2025. The Foundation is urgently seeking support from the community as the expansion moves closer to this key date. Frank Cerisano, Chief Executive Officer of the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, emphasizes the importance of collective action. "Now is the time for Clarington and the Region to come together as one to support a much needed project for our community and across the Durham Region,” said Frank. “It is our responsibility to support our hospital, and to take the necessary steps to ensure we meet our community share."

On May 1, 2023, we celebrated the second anniversary of the We Care, We Can awareness initiative, bringing together our esteemed Board of Directors, dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, supportive local small business owners, valued partners, and engaged community members. We convened at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex and later outside Clarington Town Hall to proudly hoist the We Care, We Can awareness flag. This initiative stands as a beacon of opportunity for local businesses, inviting them to join hands in making a tangible impact on the campaign's success by hosting third-party fundraisers and directing proceeds toward advancing hospital support. Our Foundation was thrilled to have had the support from our business community and we are grateful for those who served as ambassadors, generously joining this endeavour. Throughout the We Care, We Can awareness initiative, a range of creative events and fundraisers took place, each contributing to the cause in their unique way. The participation of more than 40 businesses across Clarington helped generate both financial support and widespread awareness.

Additionally, in June, we held our Annual General Meeting under the theme Connect. Engage. Build., igniting our collective vision for the redevelopment and expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital. Renowned Sportscaster Joe Tilley was our host for the evening and our special guest speaker was Newcastle resident and former NHL Star Bryan Bickell, accompanied by his wife Amanda Bickell, who shared their compelling narrative of resilience and underscored the pivotal role of a local hospital network.

In November, we hosted our largest fundraising event of the year, the Carnival Extravaganza Gala at Deer Creek Golf Course. We brought all the sights, sounds, and excitement of Carnival and its celebration of life. Guests enjoyed gourmet fare, live entertainment, fun carnival games, live and silent auctions, and a lively dance floor. The event was nothing short of amazing, as the Vanhaverbeke family boosted the foundation’s We Care, We Can campaign by pledging an incredible $1 million to the hospital redevelopment and expansion.

On March 6, 2024, we hosted a highly successful Professional Development Day, drawing an impressive turnout of over 60 participants eager to connect and garner insights from industry experts in stewardship, marketing, and philanthropy trends within the non-profit sector. The event proved to be a dynamic morning of knowledge exchange and collaboration, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence and undoubtedly had a lasting impact on the professional growth and success of future projects.

Lastly, we wish to thank our donors for their continued support, as we endeavor not only to raise funds for the redevelopment and expansion project, but also to procure and install essential medical equipment. Through your generosity, we have been empowered to invest in cutting-edge cardiac equipment, a bariatric critical care bed, and a state-of-the-art mini C-Arm Imaging System – all pivotal for elevating patient care. Moreover, the acquisition of a blanket warmer and plasma thaw bath will significantly augment our treatment capabilities, while the introduction of new diagnostic workstations for our radiologists and a Computed Tomography (CT) Express Injector promises to take our services to new levels of excellence. The unwavering commitment of our community and donors to unite in fundraising efforts for these pivotal enhancements is profoundly appreciated, and undoubtedly, will fortify our health-care system, fostering a stronger and more effective network of care within our community.