Bowmanville Hospital Foundation Community Support
For 50 years, the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation has transformed community generosity into life-saving care close to home. This past year, that legacy reached new heights through the We Care, We Can campaign, the largest in the Foundation’s history, raising the community’s share of construction costs and 100 per cent of equipment for the redevelopment of Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital. Key milestones toward the new hospital build include issuing the Request for Proposals to two short-listed design-build teams and completing enabling works to prepare the site for construction.
A major milestone in 2025 was the purchase of a state-of-the-art X-ray unit, made possible through community generosity. Funds were raised through the Foundation’s Spring and Holiday mailers, amplified by a $25,000 match from Baker Tilly LLP and supported further by our annual Gala. This equipment provides faster, clearer imaging and enables clinicians to make timely, informed decisions for patients. Community partners also stepped forward to enhance patient care. The Bowmanville and Newcastle Lions Clubs, together with Lions Clubs International Foundation, funded a Laparoscopic Tower and Instrument Set, advancing minimally invasive surgery and improving recovery times for patients. Additional equipment purchased this year included a Portable Doppler Ultrasound and three Folding Walkers, supporting clinical teams across the hospital.
Major donors continued to strengthen the hospital’s future. The Municipality of Clarington advanced $3.75 million of its historic $7.5 million commitment, reinforcing strong municipal support for the redevelopment. Community partners contributed generously, including $145,000 from Maple Grove United Church, $75,000 from both The Henry Mortgage Team and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and $50,000 from the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Individual donors also stepped forward with remarkable generosity, including $125,200 from Donnalu Wigmore and $50,000 from Angelique and Denzil Dias. The Foundation also honoured the memory of Hannu Halminen, a respected builder and long-standing supporter of local health care, whose legacy continues to inspire.
It was a record-breaking year for third-party fundraising, with more than 50 local businesses raising over $195,000, demonstrating that the Clarington community is energized and ready to rally behind the once-in-a-generation rebuild of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Beyond dollars raised, the Foundation hosted six events that brought people together to celebrate, connect, and recognize donors, staff, and volunteers. The Racing for Health Gala, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, raised more than $420,000 to support the purchase of the new X-ray unit. During the evening, the Governor’s Circle Award was presented to Mary Mogford, recognizing her leadership and longstanding advocacy for health care locally and across Canada. Hospital teams were also celebrated throughout the year. The Spirit Cart made 12 rounds through the hospital delivering treats to staff, made possible through the generosity of sponsors including Bergeron Clifford LLP, Amica Taunton, and RBC. The annual Staff BBQ, supported by volunteers from the Knights of Columbus, provided another opportunity to thank hospital teams for their unwavering dedication to patient care.
Pathways to Impact 2026 ended the 2025/2026 year on a high note, bringing together over 100 business, non-profit, and community leaders to spark fresh ideas and make new connections. Guided by keynote speaker Lana Starchuck and expert panelists, the event left attendees inspired and motivated to give back.
As the We Care, We Can campaign continues, every donation, event, and act of generosity brings us closer to building a new hospital that meets the needs of patients and families for generations to come. Photos Mary Mogford accepting her Governor’s Circle Award from Laura Sciore and Maria Petri at the Racing for Health Gala. Jennifer Steininger, Charge Technologist, with new X-ray equipment. The Municipality of Clarington accelerates $3.75 million towards hospital redevelopment.
