Thunder Bay Shows Its Giant Heart for Heart Month
Published Monday, March 23, 2026
Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events, celebrates the incredible community spirit behind Heart Month, where local events raised more than $31,000 in support of cardiac care
Community Fundraisers Make February the Biggest Month Yet Since COVID-19
Thunder Bay showed just how big its heart was this February for Heart Month. From oil changes to heart-shaped cookies, there was truly something for everyone to get involved in. Not only was it the busiest February for Community Events since the COVID-19 pandemic, but together we raised more than $31,000 in support of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Our Hearts at Home Campaign. It was an incredible reminder of the generosity and compassion that make our community so special.
With February being Heart Month and the Cardiovascular Surgery Program taking shape right outside our front door, it felt especially meaningful to bring as many community partners together as possible. With seven brand new events and four returning favourites, every dollar raised last month went directly toward bringing world-class cardiac care home. There was rarely a quiet day in February. Vendor tables were set up at the hospital throughout the month, and events took place nearly every week. It was truly heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause.
Some returning fundraisers included Jodi Afonso from Afonso Creations, who sold her $5 Pocket Hugs along with driftwood pieces at the hospital several days a week. The Share a Heart Floral Fundraiser also returned with Valentine's Day bouquets. Grower Direct, Vaillant Florist, and Rollason Flowers donated ten percent of their proceeds to the Our Hearts at Home Campaign, an initiative started by Bryan Mackay.
Bay Village Coffee once again brought back their beloved heart-shaped cookies, and the community rallied together in memory of Patty Hobbs, a friend who passed away from a heart attack. From their storefront to volunteers selling cookies at the hospital, Alan Forbes, his incredible staff, and dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly throughout February, raising more than $22,000 through their Heart Cookie Fundraiser.
And if your sweet tooth still wasn't satisfied, Copper Kettle Coffee House launched their delicious Persian Cinnamon Buns for the month, topped with a pink icing heart and sprinkles.
Launching new fundraisers and building relationships with community partners is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with people who share such a strong passion for giving back and supporting healthcare in our region.
Kamview Nordic Centre hosted their annual Candlelit Ski and Snowshoe on February 4 and donated half of the event's entry fees to the Northern Cardiac Fund. While on site, I collected donations and invited participants to honour loved ones by dedicating a heart for $5.
Gusterra Catering supported Heart Month with a Game Day Platter during the championship football game, donating a portion of proceeds to cardiac care. Owner Theo Sundell was inspired to get involved after his mother experienced a heart attack last year.
In addition to these fundraisers, we also collaborated with Wakefield Oil Change, Embody Dance Collective, Blue Sage Blooms, Lakehead University Thunderwolves Men's Hockey, and Rose N Crantz throughout the month of February.
Not only did we fundraise for Cardiac Care, but Queen's Fight Cancer and Saige McKay's 9th birthday fundraiser also raised more than $5,500 for Exceptional Cancer Care in Northwestern Ontario.
I want to sincerely thank every person in our community who stepped up this February to support the Northern Cardiac Fund. Every dollar truly makes a difference and brings us one step closer to bringing world-class cardiac care home. Although February has wrapped up, the opportunity to make a difference does not stop here! If you have a personal story or an interest in supporting local healthcare, let's connect. You can reach me at 807-684-7788 or jenelle.dawson@healthsciencesfoundation.ca and I'll help you get started.
By Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events