Annual Report 2021

Imagine Canada Accreditation is about trust and stewardship

The Standards Program is a “set of national standards and best practices created by the sector for the sector. Earning the trustmark means building resilience, credibility, and donor confidence.”

Source: Imagine Canada’s Annual Report, 2020

Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is proud to have been granted accreditation by the Standards Program with Imagine Canada. By earning this prestigious “Symbol of Trust”, the Foundation has demonstrated our commitment to the highest level of accountability, governance, and transparency on a national level.

The initiative to gain accreditation came under the tenure of Dr. Harold Cook, board chair June 2019 – June 2021, who saw the process as an essential step. “After many months of  consolidating policies and documenting processes, this nationally recognized accreditation is a reflection of the accountability and commitment to excellence that the YHF Board continuously strives to achieve,” Harold said.

In bestowing this accreditation, Imagine Canada has recognized Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s excellence and compliance in five fundamental areas of operations: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management, and volunteer involvement. The foundation is pleased to join the group of more than 250 charitable and nonprofit organizations  nationwide that have earned this symbol of trust.

Just four hospital foundations are accredited in Atlantic Canada, all within Nova Scotia. Besides YHF, they are QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and Cobequid Health Centre Foundation. “Imagine Canada’s accreditation is a rigorous process that requires a deep commitment by both the volunteer board of directors and organization’s staff. To complete this process during such a challenging year is commendable,” said Bruce MacDonald, president and CEO of Imagine Canada.

“These organizations are committed to building their capacity to serve the diverse needs of communities across Canada. To the accredited organizations: welcome, and well done.”