Your Impact: Water, Water, Everywhere!
Published Monday, September 21, 2026
Linda, a volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, shows one of the water filling stations made possible with support from Health Sciences Foundation donors, helping provide convenient access to filtered water for patients, visitors and staff throughout the Hospital.
Plastic water bottles are convenient, portable, and deliver that quick hit of hydration when we need it – especially in the hot summer months. However, they create plastic waste leading to environmental concerns. That's why many of us started carrying reusable bottles around instead. It's a great way to ensure we get the water we need without single-use bottles.
Thanks to your donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, your support of Foundation events, and your purchase of Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets, filling up your reusable bottle is easy at our Hospital. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre purchased 17 new water filling stations with your help, and strategically placed them throughout the Hospital for patients, visitors, and staff.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering a healthier community, both physically and environmentally,” said Casey Ladouceur, Manager of Capital & Program Development at our Hospital.
Not only are water filling stations convenient, she said, but the program embodies the Hospital's commitment to environmental stewardship. “By encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, we are significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. Each water bottle filler installed serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our planet.”
You'll find the new water fountains and bottle fillers in high-traffic areas throughout the Hospital including in-patient units, the Emergency Department, and the Main Hallway. Having water stations so accessible promotes hydration, which is essential for health and well-being.
“We want to create an environment where everyone feels cared for and empowered to make healthier choices,” Ladouceur said.
The Hospital installed two different types of water stations. The stations located in the most public areas resemble traditional water fountains with a single drinking spout. The state-of-the-art water filling stations also have an alcove light and are touchless, reducing the risk of spreading germs. These stations filter and cool the water, much like the water dispenser on some kitchen fridges.
The second type is an in-wall bottle filling station, installed in staff and in-patient areas throughout the Hospital, that automatically dispenses filtered water when it detects a bottle. Most stations are now in place with the rest scheduled for the coming months.
These stations came directly from your support. An anonymous donor also generously stepped forward to fund an additional water filling station specifically for the chemotherapy area of the Cancer Centre.
“The anonymous donor was a patient herself, so she recognized the need for easy access to water,” said Lee-Anne Camlin, Manager, Legacy Giving at the Health Sciences Foundation. “It may seem like such a simple thing, but the new water station provides meaningful comfort and convenience for patients, visitors, and staff.”
Ladouceur recognized the key role that all Health Sciences Foundation donors played to bring water fountains and bottle fillers to our Hospital.
“The success of this initiative – and many others – would not be possible without your generous donations,” Ladouceur said. “Your commitment to our Hospital and our mission makes a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals every day.”
You're making a difference! Find out how your support of the Health Sciences Foundation helps patients at our Hospital every day. Read other stories like this one at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/news
Article by Graham Strong