The Sounds and Signs of Summer are Here!
Published Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Have you heard it around town?
There are many sounds that signal the coming summer. Robins and blue jays in the yard, the buzz of honeybees, the grass growing at night if you listen really closely… And in Thunder Bay, one of the most recognizable sounds is the rumble of motorcycles taking their first ride of the year.
The Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad started rolling last Saturday with the annual Registration BBQ at Gradner's Garage on East Frederica St. in Thunder Bay. The ride itself takes place on Saturday, June 20th with the traditional Roar for the Cure at the Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre. If you see any motorcyclists doing their poker runs that day, give them a wave! Registration is still available online: ridefordadtbay.ca If you're not riding, go to the same page to pledge your support for those who are fundraising for local prostate care.
This month I also want to tell you about a recent event we had that is extra special to me. On May 5, I had the honour of attending an event at the Da Vinci to celebrate all volunteers at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and our Hospital. Volunteers are a key part of healthcare from guiding people through the Hospital and sometimes even transferring patients, to volunteering for events like the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, to sitting on Boards and helping guide the future of local healthcare. It's our annual opportunity to thank them for their generous contributions of their time. Some volunteers this year were recognized for 40+ years of service, which I think is remarkable. Thank you once again to all our volunteers!
I value the contributions of volunteers in part because my mother Joan was a volunteer, involved for years with the quilt raffle. She along with a group of quilters would give the first baby of the year a homemade quilt. I saw firsthand what a difference she made through volunteering – and how much she got from it, too. If you have some time to give and would like to feel good by making a difference in the lives of patients, contact the Foundation at 807-345-4673 or email: volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca
Another exciting part of the year that the average person doesn't get to see is the annual grant review, which is now underway. All grant applications are carefully vetted by the Foundation's Grant Committee and then by the whole Foundation Board of Directors to ensure we are being excellent stewards of your kind donations. We had a record-breaking year last year, making the largest gift in Foundation history to our Hospital. We have many great applications again this year, and I'll be excited to share with you later the projects we'll be funding. The success of these large grant announcements is a testament to your dedication and commitment to bring closer-to-home care to Northwestern Ontario.
Thank you all for a wonderful start to 2026. Stay safe and have a happy, healthy summer!
Dr. Stephen Adams