The Vital Role of Foundations in Healthcare



Our organization sets out to raise funds, support healthcare initiatives, and drive innovations that significantly
benefit patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.


Enhancing Patient Care

Hospital foundations directly contribute to improving patient care by:

Funding Advanced Medical Equipment – 
They provide the necessary funds to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment and technologies that hospitals might otherwise not afford.
This ensures patients have access to the best possible diagnostic and treatment options.

Supporting Specialized Programs -
Foundations often fund specialized care programs, such as those for cancer treatment, neonatal care, and cardiac care, enhancing the hospital's ability to offer comprehensive services.

Improving Facilities -
They help upgrade hospital facilities, ensuring a physical environment conducive to healing while accommodating growing patient needs.


Supporting Healthcare Professionals

A critical function of hospital foundations is to support the healthcare professionals who provide care:
 
Funding Education and Training -
Hospital foundations provide grants and scholarships for ongoing education and professional development, ensuring healthcare workers stay current with the latest medical advancements and techniques.

Supporting Recruitment and Retention -
They help attract and retain top talent by funding initiatives that enhance the working environment and offer competitive benefits.

Promoting Research and Innovation -
Many foundations fund medical research projects, encouraging innovation and the development of new treatments and therapies.


Community Health Initiatives

Hospital foundations extend their impact beyond the hospital walls by supporting community health initiatives:
 
Health Education Programs -
They fund programs that educate the public on critical health issues, such as diabetes management, heart disease prevention, and mental health awareness.

Preventive Health Services -
Foundations often support screenings, vaccination drives, and other preventive health services that improve overall community health and reduce the burden on hospitals.

Outreach Programs -
They help fund outreach initiatives that bring healthcare services to underserved and remote communities, ensuring equitable access to care.
 


Bridging Funding Gaps

Hospital foundations play a crucial role in bridging funding gaps that government funding does not cover. They:

Provide Stable Funding - Through donations and fundraising events, foundations ensure a steady stream of funds that hospitals can rely on for ongoing and future projects.

Support Capital Projects - Large-scale capital projects, such as new hospital wings or major renovations, often rely on foundation funding to move forward.

Flexible Funding - Unlike government grants, which can be restrictive, foundation funds are often more flexible and can be directed to where they are needed most.

Enhancing Patient and Family Experience - Hospital foundations work to enhance the overall patient and family experience by:
 
Creating Comfort Programs - They fund programs that provide comfort and support to patients and their families, such as patient lounges, family accommodations, and palliative care services.

Improving Hospital Environment - Foundation-supported projects often focus on creating a healing environment, such as art installations, healing gardens, and improved hospital aesthetics.

Patient Support Services - They fund services like patient navigators and social workers who assist patients and families in navigating the healthcare system and accessing necessary resources
.
Community Engagement and Support - Hospital foundations foster a strong sense of community involvement and support by:
 
Organizing Fundraising Events -
From charity runs to gala dinners, these events raise crucial funds and increase awareness of the hospital’s needs and achievements.

Building Partnerships - Foundations often collaborate with businesses, community groups, and other organizations to support healthcare initiatives and expand their impact.

Encouraging Volunteerism - They provide opportunities for community members to volunteer their time and skills, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver care and support services.
 


Why are Hospital Foundations Needed?

Ensure High-Quality Care - By funding advanced equipment, facilities, and programs, they help maintain high standards of medical care.

Promote Innovation - They support research and innovation, driving advancements in medical science and treatment.

Foster Community Health - Their initiatives extend care into the community, promoting overall health and well-being.

Build Stronger Hospitals - By filling funding gaps and supporting essential projects, they strengthen hospitals and ensure they can meet future challenges.
 


Hospital foundations are vital to the sustainability and advancement of the Canadian healthcare system.

They enhance patient care, support healthcare professionals, and engage the community in meaningful ways,
ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide exceptional care for all.



 

 

Care from the Heart Day 2025 a Success!

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation Wraps Another Hugely Successful Annual Care from the Heart Radio-a-thon - your Generosity is Transforming Healthcare in Lethbridge!

Lethbridge, AB – February 14, 2024
 
Thanks to your kindness and generosity, $473,804.29 has been raised, far surpassing our goal of $400,000!
 
"Your support ensures that our hospital has the tools and resources needed to provide the best possible care for our community. Thank you for making a lasting difference!"
– Crystal Elliott, Chief Executive Officer
 
 

Cardiac Gala Raises $644,000 to Bring Hearts Closer to Home

Lethbridge, AB - February 3, 2025 -

The Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, in partnership with the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, is thrilled to announce that the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Gala, held on Saturday, February 1, has raised an astounding $644,000 - exceeding all expectations!

Click here for more!

Charitable Donations Extension | February 28th, 2025

Recently the Government of Canada announced plans to amend the Income Tax Act - this amendment will extend the deadline for tax-deductible donations for the 2024 tax year to February 28, 2025.

This change aims to help donors affected by the four-week Canada Post mail stoppage, ensuring their contributions are processed in time and supporting charities in providing essential services to their communities.


For more check out the following resource: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/12/government-of-canada-announces-extension-of-2024-charitable-donations-to-february-28-2025.html

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is the leading philanthropic partner for Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities. With the support of generous donors, we drive innovation and fund state-of-the-art equipment.