Annual Report 2021

Message from the Chair

Neil LeBlanc, Chair: Yarmouth Hospital Foundation.

The role of hospital foundations has become increasingly important in Nova Scotia to ensure that our hospitals have the equipment and facilities needed to provide excellent health care and Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is committed to rising to the occasion. In 2021, our focus was on equipment for the OR that both improved outcomes for patients and also expanded the kinds of surgical procedures that could be done in our hospital so patients could avoid travel during a pandemic and beyond.

Our relationship with the Tri-Counties has been strong for the past 51 years. That bond has allowed Yarmouth Hospital Foundation to make contributions to Yarmouth Regional Hospital in the areas of greatest need — over $26 million since the board was created in 1970. The largest share was $10 million raised in the 1990s for the major hospital expansion that opened in 2000.

We’ve worked hard over the past two years, investing $2.25 million for a variety of much needed equipment thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors. We were blown   2021’s WE CARE Radiothon raising $181,000 and then the Christmas Appeal brought in more than $90,000. We are so

fortunate to have such tremendous support and we’re dedicated to both earning and keeping that trust.

Last summer we were granted accreditation by Imagine Canada, the umbrella organization for Canada’s charities that sets standards for accountability, governance and transparency. Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is one of just four in Atlantic Canada to have earned this distinction, which ensures we have a well-run, efficient, and fiscally responsible organization.

The future holds many exciting opportunities to expand and improve health care in the Tri-Counties. We’ll soon be faced with a request from the Department of Health and Wellness to support fundraising efforts for a hospital expansion to house a new Emergency Department. This project will transform our regional hospital and the services it delivers. The foundation will be there to do our part in making it a reality, and we know we can count on the generosity and support of the people of Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties.

Thank you for an incredible 2021, Tri-Counties.

And here’s to the future and all it holds!