Hospital Foundation Makes Largest Gift in Its History to Support Local Healthcare
Published Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Hospital and Foundation leaders and representatives pictured at today's historic $22.8 million announcement in support of local healthcare.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is celebrating a historic day for healthcare, approving a record $22,815,488 in funding to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. This represents the largest single commitment the Foundation has ever made — made possible through the remarkable generosity of donors, event participants, and Thunder Bay 50/50 supporters.
As part of this historic total, more than $10.3 million has been approved through the Foundation's Capital Grants program.
“It is truly a privilege to celebrate this level of investment in our Hospital,” says Jody Nesti, Chair of the Capital Grants Committee and member of the Family CARE Grants Committee. “Each year, our Committee takes great care in reviewing every request to ensure donor dollars make the greatest impact. To see more than $10.3 million approved this year is truly remarkable.”
The total represents 43 grants, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $3 million, impacting almost every area of the Hospital. Some of these commitments include:
- $1 million for the Cancer Centre to support the construction and retrofit of a new Linear Accelerator
- $3 million over the next five years to replace 195 inpatient beds with new SMART beds across the Hospital
Up to $150,000 is also being committed through the Foundation's Family CARE Grants program, which supports staff-led projects that improve care for patients and their families.
In addition to this year's Capital Grants, the Foundation has made major new commitments to two priority projects at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The Cardiovascular Surgery program (CVS), a long-awaited service that will allow patients to receive life-saving cardiac care close to home received a significant boost, with the Foundation pledging additional funds bringing the Foundation's total support for the project to $23.3 million, marking one of the largest single commitments in its history.
“Cardiovascular Surgery has been a priority for our region for many years,” says Dr. Steve Adams, Chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors. “To contribute more than $23 million toward this project is something our Foundation is extremely proud of, and it reflects just how strongly this community believes in strengthening care close to home.”
Over the past two years, the Foundation has committed significant funding toward the Emergency Department renovation project. An additional $500,000 is now being contributed to Phase 1: Triage, bringing the Foundation's total commitment for that phase to $4.039 million. The Foundation is also making a further $1.5 million commitment to Phase 3: Mental Health, helping further realize the vision for a renewed Emergency Department.
“When you put today's announcement into perspective, it's hard not to feel both proud and humbled,” says Hospital Foundation CEO Glenn Craig. “With this investment, the Foundation's lifetime contributions to our Hospital now exceed $81 million and in the coming years, we expect to be approaching $100 million. It's an extraordinary milestone, and a powerful reminder of what generosity, commitment, and belief in better healthcare can accomplish.”
“Donor support like this is truly a lifeline for our frontline teams and the people they serve every day,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Your generosity allows us to improve our care environments and strengthen the tools and technology in the hands of those who care for our patients. We are deeply grateful for your support.”
"On behalf of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Board, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, community supporters, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation,” says Patricia Lang, TBRHSC Board Chair. “Your generosity is making an extraordinary impact — bringing advanced treatments, new technologies, and expanded services right here to our community. Because of you, patients can receive the care they need close to home, for faster diagnoses, better outcomes, and a more compassionate experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Together, we are moving closer to our vision of exceptional care, for every patient, every time.”