Turning Philanthropy into a Career
Published Monday, July 7, 2025
Lindsay Puhalski, Development Assistant, Philanthropy, at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta during her time at New Mexico State University.
Meet Lindsay Puhalski, Development Assistant, Philanthropy at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
As Development Assistant, Philanthropy at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, Lindsay Puhalski spends a considerable amount of her day talking with donors. It's one of her favourite parts of the job.
“I love talking with our donors and listening to their stories about why they give,” Lindsay said. “I really respect people who give back and help make a difference in the community.”
Although she has raised funds over the years as a competitive swimmer, philanthropy wasn't necessarily a career path in Lindsay's mind. She went to New Mexico State University on a full Division 1 swimming scholarship and graduated with a double major in Marketing and Management. Lindsay returned to Thunder Bay after graduation and worked briefly at a business supply company. But a job posting for the position at the Health Sciences Foundation intrigued her.
“I had a sense that something was missing in my life,” Lindsay said. “I love to give back, but I never considered a job in philanthropy. After my first month at the Foundation, I was wondering why I'd never thought about it before.”
Lindsay helps the Foundation team in many ways including donor recognition: adding plaques to various donor walls around the Hospital and calling donors for personal thank yous. Every day is different, she said, and she sees firsthand the impact that donors make on patient care at the Hospital.
“The variety is something I really like. I also enjoy talking to people who come to the Hospital. A lot of times, they're not here for the greatest of reasons, but it's nice to have a happier conversation with them and maybe put a smile on their face.”
As fulfilling as philanthropy is for Lindsay, the Health Sciences Foundation is also just a fun place to work. “My co-workers are really great. I'm definitely a people person – and they are fantastic people to work with.”
Although Lindsay doesn't swim competitively anymore, she still enjoys swimming in the lake at her boyfriend's camp. She loves to golf and has a standing weekly tee-off time with her mother, made even better with the new clubs she received for her birthday. Lindsay is also passionate about travelling and sightseeing, always eager to explore new places. When she's not on the road, she enjoys hiking and camping at provincial parks like Sleeping Giant and Quetico, soaking in the natural beauty and fresh air.