Women in Action celebrates nearly a decade of support for emergency care
Published Monday, March 16, 2026
Women in Action members gather during a wrap-up celebration marking the group's final contribution of $375,420 toward the Emergency Department Enhancement Project at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Nearly a decade of community philanthropy was celebrated last week as Women in Action concluded its work supporting improvements to the Emergency Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Women in Action began in 2016 when founding member Sandra Stoger shared a vision of bringing women together to support healthcare in Thunder Bay. Her idea was to attract women from across the community to make annual contributions in support of the Emergency Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The idea quickly resonated with women across the community. Over time, Women in Action grew to include more than 100 members who gathered throughout the year at networking events and an annual voting event. Those gatherings gave members the opportunity to learn about needs within the hospital and decide together how the funds they raised would support patient care.
“Women in Action became something very special in our community,” said Sharon Bon, Chair of Women in Action. “It brought women together to support our Hospital while working toward a shared goal of improving care for patients and families.”
From the beginning, the group focused its fundraising efforts on the Emergency Department — one of the busiest and most critical areas of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and in particular mental health services.
Through their work, Women in Action supported a number of initiatives in the department, including cameras, portable telemetry packs, stretchers, charging stations, portable cardiac and vital signs monitors, and initial planning and renovation work connected to the Emergency Department Enhancement Project.
In total, just over $159,000 was directed toward these initiatives.
During the celebration, members also announced a final contribution of $375,420 toward the Emergency Department Enhancement Project.
Vanessa Kasper of Alterna Savings, who also serves on the Women in Action committee and the Health Sciences Foundation board, said the organization was proud to support the initiative.
“Alterna Savings has been the proud title sponsor for Women in Action since 2023,” Kasper said. “As a community-focused credit union, we believe in supporting initiatives that strengthen Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, and we were proud to stand behind the women who helped make these improvements possible.”
Jennifer Wintermans, Vice President, Clinical Services, Quality and Corporate Affairs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, said the group's support has helped expand and improve the Emergency Department.
“Because of your generosity, we have expanded our Emergency Department — including the addition of a dedicated De-escalation Room, enhancements to the waiting area and equipment, and the expansion of our Trauma and Resuscitation Rooms,” said Wintermans. “These improvements strengthen the care services we provide to patients and families. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions that have supported a better experience.”
After many years of tireless work, the organizing committee decided it was time to wind-up the group and celebrate the achievement of their ultimate goal to see an enhanced Emergency Department becoming a reality at the Hospital.
For many members, Women in Action created opportunities for women in the community to connect, mentor one another and work together toward improving healthcare close to home.
As the group closes this chapter, members say the improvements made to the Emergency Department — and the relationships built along the way — will remain a lasting reminder of the impact Women in Action has had on the hospital and the community.
Article By: Jennifer Schoffer