It is my pleasure to be writing this message on behalf of the Foundation staff, serving as the Interim Executive Director. As we reflect on the recent events that have unfolded since I assumed this position in April, we can proudly celebrate numerous accomplishments and milestones:
• During our AGM in June, we extended a warm welcome to new Board Members Stefanie Chauvin and Jann Smith, transitioned Linda Hansen to Past Chair, and embraced Dawn Tymianski as our new Chair.
•Exceeded our goal for Ride the River, joyously announcing $2 million raised for the MRI.
•Actively participated in and supported the Smile Cookie Campaign, raising an impressive $39,826.12.
•Welcomed Tanya Beale as the new Executive Assistant.
•Collaborated closely on marketing materials for the Your Health Your Hospital campaign with Brockville General Hospital Communications department.
•And many other achievements that have furthered our mission.
As we move forward, the future looks bright for the Brockville & District Hospital Foundation. In the upcoming months, we will be welcoming a new Executive Director who is well acquainted with the community and brings years of experience in the non-profit sector. Stay connected with us on social media to be the first to know when they officially join our team.
Thank you for your unwavering support as we continue our efforts to make a positive impact on the community’s healthcare. Together, we will achieve remarkable milestones in supporting your communinty hospital.
Best regards, Joan Simon, Interim Executive Director
BIG NEWS!
We are thrilled to unveil our new billboard for the Your Health Your Hospital MRI and Equipment Campaign. �� The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation is committed to supporting Brockville General Hospital as they modernize community care, including expanding with MRI services.
On the left is Winston Francis, BGH Facilities Supervisor and right is Joan Simon, BDHF Interim Executive Director
TIMES CARING
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for The Pink Cup Volleyball Tournament - Brockville’s Volleyball Championship for a cause! All are welcome to come and participate at Hardy Park on October 1st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our mission is to spread awareness and raise funds for the new mammogram at BGH. Gather your team of six or more and join us for an awesome day of volleyball battles to determine Brockville’s best team, all while supporting a great cause. The registration cost is $25 per person.
Let’s come together, play some volleyball, and make a difference in the community!
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dave Publow and Jim Cooper, co-chairs of the tournament, as well as the entire golf committee. Their commitment to palliative care and unwavering support have been the driving force behind this tournament’s 30 years of success. We would also like to thank all the supporters of the golf tournament over the years. Without you, this tournament wouldn’t be what it is today.
As the tournament draws near, don’t forget to purchase your Sevyjitoes in support of Palliative Care before August 15. When you purchase these tasty treats, you can choose to support either Co-Chair David Publow or Co-Chair Jim Cooper. Join the Brockville Winter Classic on Wednesday, August 23rd, at the The Keystorm Pub, where they will announce the winner and witness the loser get a pie right in the face! Both Co-Chairs have bravely accepted this challenge.
Let’s tee off for Palliative Care!
EXCITING NEWS! TRANSITIONING TO ELECTRONIC MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
We have some exciting news to share that will take our newsletter to new heights of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. Starting September 2023, we will be transitioning from our traditional paper-based quarterly newsletters to electronic monthly newsletters. We believe this shift will greatly benefit our subscribers by providing more frequent updates and a greener approach to delivering content.
Why the Change?
As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we communicate and share information. By moving to electronic newsletters, we aim to reduce our environmental impact by minimizing paper usage and cutting down on transportation-related emissions. Additionally, going digital allows us to reach your inbox more frequently, keeping you informed about the latest news, updates, and exciting developments.
What to Expect:
• More frequest updates
• Enhanced Interactivity
• Easy Access - anywhere, anytime
Stay Connected!
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of our electronic monthly newsletters, please make sure to whitelist our email address (foundation@brockvillegeneralhospital.ca) in your email settings. This will ensure that our newsletters land directly in your primary inbox and won’t get lost in the promotions or spam folder.
The 30th Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament is on Wednesday, August 30.
FOUNDATION NEWS
ANTONAKOS FAMILY DONATES $26,623 TO THE MRI CAMPAIGN
The Antonakos family decided to honor their husband, father, and grandfather, the late Angelo Antonakos who passed away September 26, 2022, with a donation in his name towards the MRI campaign at Brockville General Hospital. The family directed the donation to the Ride the River for the MRI Campaign as an anonymous donor was matching all proceeds, therefore doubling their donation of $26,623.
The Antonakos family recognized the need in the community for an MRI closer to home through their own experiences. Local residents currently have to travel to Kingston, Cornwall or Ottawa to access MRIs, with a significant wait time. Having an MRI closer to home will increase the quality of care for thousands of patients.
Paula Antonakos-Boswell shared that the family wanted to make this donation as Brockville General Hospital has been here for her parents when they needed it, as young adults, parents of young children and now in their senior years.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Antonakos family. Together, we are making a difference, one gift at a time.
INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH 2022 - CELEBRATION EVENT
Joan Simon attended the International Plowing Match’s (IPM) celebration event on Monday, July 24th. IPM has graciously donated $20,000 in support of the MRI for Brockville General Hospital.
In September 2022, the IPM was held in Kemptville, Ontario. Any funds generated by the IPM are donated to groups and organizations in the host community.
What is the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM)?
The IPM is a five day celebration of agriculture and rural living. At this five day event, there are various activities happening such as plowing competitions, live entertainment, vendors and exhibitors. It is the largest event of its kind in North America.
IPM 2023 will be held on September 19 to 23 in Bowling Green, Ontario. For more information visit www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2023
From left to right: Nick Vlacholias, Brockville General Hospital President and CEO, Ruth Lockett, Brockville and District Hospital Foundation Board Member, Samuel Antonakos McWilliams, Paula Antonakos-Boswell, Melba Antonakos, Bessie Antonakos
Pictured here is Joan Simon, Interim Executive Director with Harry Bennett, IPM Local Committee Chair
LOCAL COMPANIES GIVE BACK
In 1963 Stewart Beatty and Norm Carson relocated their company Danor to Brockville. The company would go on to be known as Canarm, a global marketer and manufacturer of lighting, air moving and related products, supplying the residential and agricultural markets.
In addition to being known as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, the company is also known as one of our community’s biggest supporter of countless causes. One of those causes is supporting the needs of the Brockville General Hospital.
“Canarm is the name of the Company, but the true hero’s are our people. They do great work everyday to make us successful so we can not only provide employment but also help our community with their success”.
“Great People build great companies and we have some of the GREATEST”.
- Jim Cooper
It has been said that true philanthropy is much more than simply donating money to a cause. It’s having that ingrained altruism that sense of community and that willingness to get involved at all levels. Canarm is a shining example of true philanthropy.
Canarm has been supporting Brockville General Hospital for decades. They have supported Campaign for Care, Friends of Palliative Care Golf, Hole-in One Fundraiser, Under One Roof, Brockville Cardiovascular Program and third-party events.
Canarm’s CEO; Chairman David Beatty and President & Chief Operating Officer Jim Cooper personify generosity themselves spearheading a climate of giving back which is reflective in Canarm’s support of our community’s needs.
Q. David, you have been quoted as saying, “Community support is part of the Canarm Mantra.” Why is this essential for Canarm to embrace?
David “Our company has grown within this community, and the community has been extremely supportive of Canarm. Giving back is simply the natural thing to do.” Canarm is proud to support organizations that enhance our community like the United Way, the YMCA and Brockville General Hospital.”
Q. David and Jim, in addition Corporately through Canarm, both of you have an extended connection personally with the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation and the Brockville General Hospital. For those in our community looking for a cause to support why would you encourage an individual or a corporation to support the needs of the Brockville General Hospital?
Jim “There is nothing more important than our hospital. Brockville General Hospital is the center of our community, there for us when we need it most. As one of our areas largest employers we are fortunate to have tremendous health care provided to us by some of the hardest working people around who do great work day in and day out.”
David “At some point we are all going to need one or more of the services that Brockville General Hospital provides. We are extremely fortunate to have the hospital within our community. It continues to grow and modernize bringing to our area vital needs like the MRI that will be installed next spring. Equipment purchases, along with the Palliative Care Program need the financial support from us all. The current campaign slogan says it all, “Your Health, Your Hospital”.
Q. One of the causes Canarm supports in a variety of ways is the Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament. It is remarkable that this tournament is celebrating its 30th year. What is it about the tournament that keeps sponsors like Canarm coming back year after year?
Jim “The tournament is an opportunity for our community to come together and support Brockville General Hospital’s Palliative Care program. It is not a matter of if you will be touched by the service but a matter of when. I have a very personal appreciation for the service after seeing the care and compassion given by the staff to my dear friend, and fellow Canarm staff mate Terry Quinn who passed away after a long illness over twenty years ago. The tremendous support of the Friends of Palliative Care golf tournament is a perfect example of the value we as a community place on the Palliative Care program.”
David “It is interesting to note that also thirty years ago was the merging together of St. Vincent de Paul and Brockville General Hospital with St. Vincent taking on Long Term Care, Complex and Continuing Care, and Palliative Care. With no funding for Palliative Care the need to generate funds was essential.
Canarm has been dedicated to Palliative Care and the golf tournament every step of the way over the last 30 years. We view our participation not only as a way to support financially but a way to give back through gifts in kind. Many of our staff give of their time for set up and tournament day. Canarm is happy to help by providing all of the marketing material. It is truly a bonding event and a day of celebration of which we look forward to year after year.”
2157 Parkedale Avenue, Brockville Canarm’s Corporate Headquarters since 1963
Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament team: L-R: Jim Bennis, Bob Clarke, Jim Cooper, David Beatty, Doug Matthews
Dear friend and coworker, Terry Quinn with Bobby Orr & Jim Cooper
SIGNATURE EVENT
YOUR HEALTH. YOUR HOSPITAL.
$10M! RAISED SO FAR ONLY $2.5M LEFT TO GO! OUR GOAL $12.5M FOR EQUIPMENT NEEDS 80% OF GOAL REACHED! OF