Care Close to Home
2025–2026 Donor Impact Report
Supporting the North Shore Health Network
Because of you, a patient received care closer to home.
Because of you, families travelled less during difficult moments.
Because of you, local healthcare continues evolving across Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing–Matthews.
Every donation, volunteer hour, sponsorship, fundraiser, and act of kindness strengthens healthcare close to home.
Mission
To provide sustainable financial support to the North Shore Health Network so our hospitals can continue meeting the needs of the communities we serve.
Vision
Collectively ensuring that appropriate healthcare will always be within reach.
Land Acknowledgement
The North Shore Health Network Foundation respectfully acknowledges that we operate on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands and waters for generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and provide care within these communities.
Your Impact At A Glance
in 2025–2026
Fiscal Year: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- 3 hospital sites supported
- Thousands of patients impacted
- Hundreds of volunteer hours
- Multiple successful community events
Year over Year Capital Plan
*Unaudited. Final audited financial statements will be released following completion of the 2026 audit. Audited statements available at: https://www.nshnfoundation.care/purpose .
"Serving as Chair of the North Shore Health Network Foundation is both an honour and a privilege."
I am continually inspired by the generosity of our communities and the devotion of the volunteers, donors, staff, and supporters who make our work possible.
This past year was a great success. Together, we reached our goal of raising $580,800 in support of local health care. These funds were made possible through community events, corporate partnerships, monthly giving, memorial donations, major gifts, and countless acts of generosity.
I am especially grateful for our Board of Directors, who volunteer their time and expertise to help guide the Foundation's future. I would also like to thank Doug and Joan Clute for their many years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to our organization.
A special thank you goes to Charlyn Beneteau, Director of Foundation Relations, whose passion, leadership, and commitment continue to strengthen the Foundation and expand our impact across the North Shore.
To our donors, volunteers, partners, hospital staff, physicians, and supporters, thank you. Your generosity helps ensure quality health care remains within reach for our communities today and for future generations.
Amanda LaBrash
Chair, North Shore Health Network Foundation
"This work has become more than a career. It is a passion."
When I moved to Blind River in 2020, I was looking for more than a place to live. I was looking for community. Through volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Medical Transportation, I quickly discovered the kindness, generosity, and resilience that make the North Shore such a special place.
Those experiences eventually led me to the North Shore Health Network Foundation, where I have had the privilege of serving our communities over the past two years. Together with our Board of Directors, donors, volunteers, hospital staff, and community partners, we have worked to strengthen relationships, grow support for local health care, and ensure vital equipment and services remain available close to home.
This work has become more than a career. It is a passion. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every conversation reminds me how fortunate we are to live in communities that genuinely care for one another.
To everyone who has supported the Foundation, thank you. Your generosity is making a direct impact on patient care. And to those we have yet to meet, I look forward to building new relationships and continuing this important work together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Charlyn Beneteau
Director of Foundation Relations
North Shore Health Network Foundation
Investing in Care Close to Home
Together, we fully funded all approved capital requests across the North Shore Health Network, strengthening emergency services, diagnostic capacity, monitoring systems, and long-term care supports.
Blind River Site
Capital Equipment Funded 2025–2026
Funded by: NSHN Blind River Auxiliary
Funded by: Scotiatrust
Funded by: Cameco Employee Giving Campaign
Funded by: Giving Tuesday Campaign (anonymous donor match up to $5,000)
Funded by: NSHN Blind River Auxiliary
Funded by: Golden Birches Family Council
Cargo Van and Maintenance Staff. Left to right: Luc Prior, Jordan Jensen, Ron Bilton
"These upgrades significantly strengthen our emergency readiness and improve patient safety."
Dr. Jeeves
Chief of Staff, Blind River Site
Community Spotlight
NSHN Blind River Auxiliary
$17,300
The Blind River Auxiliary fundraised throughout the year to present a generous gift of $17,300 to the Foundation — funding the fully stocked Phlebotomy Cart and two Vitals Machines.
Left to right: Charlyn Beneteau, Director of NSHN Foundation · Tim Vine, NSHN CEO & President · Janet Trombley · Louis Harop · Andrea Rainville
Donor Impact
Laerdal Monitor Simulator for ACLS Training
$10,000
Local Hands Shaping Local Care
The North Shore Health Network Foundation is thrilled to share that NSHN is now certifying nurses and providers for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) right here at home. This is especially meaningful because it was built by our own community.
Generously made possible by:
- • Dr. Barnes – Laerdal Defibrillator Simulator
- • Dr. Hagan – Certified ACLS Instructor
With the Laerdal Monitor simulator, instructors can adjust vital signs in real time, simulate complex emergencies, and integrate CPR feedback manikins. It's advanced technology, but its greatest power is the confidence it builds among our nurses and rural partners—confidence that will save lives as a team.
Thessalon Site
Capital Equipment Funded 2025–2026
Urgent replacement — fully funded by a grateful patient
Fully funded by a grateful patient
Fully funded by a grateful patient
Fully funded by a grateful patient
NSHN Thessalon Auxiliary
Capital Growth
+988% Growth
"The new ultrasound system has transformed our ability to diagnose patients locally."
Dr. Amy Vine
Thessalon Site Physician
Equipment Spotlight
New Ultrasound Machine — Thessalon Site
$142,000
Celebrating the new ultrasound machine — a $142,000 investment fully funded by a generous anonymous grateful patient.
Left to right: Charlyn Beneteau, Director of Foundation Relations · Amanda LaBrash, Chair of the NSHN Foundation · Kim Rousselle, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging · Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO
Richards Landing–Matthews Site
Capital Equipment Funded 2025–2026
Funded by: NSHN Richards Landing Auxiliary
Funded by: NSHN Richards Landing Auxiliary
"The addition of an ECG Central Monitoring System and new vital signs machine will make a meaningful difference in our small Emergency Department by helping us monitor patients more closely, recognize changes in their condition sooner, and provide safer, more timely care. This investment strengthens our ability to care for patients close to home and supports our team in providing the highest quality emergency care possible. We are incredibly grateful to our community members, donors, and partners whose generosity made this possible. Your support is an investment not only in our ER, but in the health, safety, and well-being of our patients, families, and entire community."
Jasmine Geoffroy
Nurse Practitioner, Richards Landing–Matthews Site
Community Spotlight
NSHN Richards Landing Auxiliary
$99,300
The NSHN Richards Landing Auxiliary proudly funded the ECG Central Monitoring System and Vitals Machine — a combined investment of $99,300 in local cardiac care.
NSHN Richards Landing Auxiliary — Vitals Machine & ECG Monitoring System cheque presentation
Donor Impact
Blood Fridge for Life-Threatening Emergencies
$13,000
On-Site Blood Storage Saves Lives
For the first time, blood can now be stored on-site at Richards Landing–Matthews during life-threatening emergencies.
Previously, blood had to be transported from distant facilities — costing precious minutes when every second counts. Thanks to our donors, life-saving blood is now available the moment it's needed.
Thank you to our generous corporate partners:
- • Service Rentals and Sales
- • National Supply Centre Ltd.
"Having blood available on-site changes everything. In a critical moment, those saved minutes can be the difference between life and death."
— Dr. Beller
Physician, Richards Landing–Matthews Site
100%
On-Site Availability
$13K
Investment
24/7
Emergency Ready
Community Engagement
Corporate & Business Partners
Cameco Employees & Corporation
Blind River Site — Ventilator System + additional $10K donation
Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign
Greatest Needs Fund
National Supply Centre
Richards Landing–Matthews Site
Golden Birches Family Council
Brookfield Renewable
Thessalon Site
Order of the Eastern Star – Elliot Lake Ch. 324
Ruglen Consulting Inc.
Algoma Chrysler Inc.
AJ Bus Lines
Blind River Site
Lily & Light Photography
Fundraising & Events
$62,163Branded Apparel
$4,584Artwork Fundraiser
Shari Gosselin donation
$1,667
Shari Gosselin donated her artwork to the Foundation — Artwork Fundraiser
Fire Fighter Calendar
Blind River Fire Dept.
$2,150
Blind River Fire Department — Calendar Fundraiser photo shoot at NSHN Blind River Site
Giving Tuesday
$14,227Holiday Mailer
Net proceeds
$11,491Richards Landing Community Night
Anonymous matching donation
$28,044Community-Led Fundraising
$6,373Host Your Own Fundraiser
We provide planning support, promotional materials, and donor processing.
Get in Touch →Attended Community Events
Thessalon Healthy Aging Wellness Event
June 11, 2025
Blind River Healthy Aging Fair
June 19, 2025
Richards Landing Healthy Aging Wellness Event
September 16, 2025
Meals on Wheels
Supporting our community's nutrition needs
In memory of Claude Saucier, the family donated a 'Month of Meals' to the Meals on Wheels clients in Blind River.
This program needs help to remain sustainable. Your donation ensures that community members continue to receive nutritious meals and caring visits.
Local 50/50 Community Draws
2025–2026 Winners
Donor Loyalty & Retention
Top 5 Major Gifts This Year
6
donors
$5,000–$9,999
4
donors
$2,500–$4,999
28
donors
$1,000–$2,499
Honouring the Legacy of Jack and Mary Wheeler
Paul Inwood visited the North Shore Health Network - Blind River Site with his grandsons, all the way from Marathon, to place a gold leaf on the Tree of Life in memory of Jack and Mary Wheeler.
"My grandsons, Jack and Daniel, are with me today. Kathy and I have made this donation in memory of Jack and Mary Wheeler, who lived in Blind River and contributed to the life of the community throughout their lives."
— Paul Inwood
Jack and Mary devoted their lives to teaching, volunteering, and community service. Today, their family continues that legacy helping strengthen local health care close to home.
Monthly Donor Family
Sustainable Revenue
Revenue Breakdown
Total Revenue: $823,071
Diversified funding strengthens long-term resilience
Full audited financial statements available at:
www.nshnfoundation.careGrants
$71,000J.P. Bickell Foundation (Scotia Trust)
RBC Community Investment
New Ways to Donate
E-Transfer
Send to donations@nshn.care
Transfer of Stocks
Contact us to learn more
More than half of all Foundation revenue (52.2%) came directly from individual donors, demonstrating the incredible generosity of community members across the North Shore. Auxiliary contributions accounted for 16.9% of revenue, while corporate partnerships and grants contributed 12.5%. Together, these three revenue streams generated over 81% of all funds raised, helping ensure critical investments in equipment, programs, and patient care throughout the North Shore Health Network.
Building a Culture of Giving Within Our Walls
Building a Culture of Giving Within Our Walls
When caregivers invest in care, culture strengthens.
Every day, North Shore Health Network staff provide compassionate care to patients and families across our communities. Many also choose to support local healthcare in another way — through philanthropy.
Through initiatives such as the Payroll 50/50 Program and NSHN Threads Branded Apparel, staff members are helping fund equipment, programs, and services that directly benefit the patients they care for each day.
Their participation demonstrates something special: a belief in our mission that extends beyond the workplace. When caregivers choose to invest in healthcare close to home, they strengthen not only our Foundation, but the culture of generosity that exists throughout our organization.
NSHN Threads
Branded Apparel Program
Nursing Appreciation
Recognizing our dedicated care teams
Perfect Payday Monthly Winners
Kaitlyn Falvo
April 2025
Kaitlin Dasilva-Guedes
May 2025
Bonnie Campbell
June 2025
Suzanne Lamour
July 2025
Jessica Roy
August 2025
Mark Donner
September 2025
Christie Hagger
October 2025
Brandie Mattaini
November 2025
Katie Maguire
December 2025
Jessica Dunlop
January 2026
Barbara Morton
February 2026
Christie Hagger
March 2026
Board of Directors & Governance
The Foundation Board of Directors plays a critical role in governance, fundraising, advocacy, and strategic leadership. We sincerely thank our volunteers and Board members for helping strengthen healthcare close to home.
3 New Board Members
Welcomed in 2025
15 Policies Reviewed
All updated & published publicly
Board That Works
Certification Completed
Public Policies
Available on Foundation website
Amanda LaBrash
Chair
Board Member Since 2023
Joan Clute
Vice-Chair & Treasurer
Board Member Since 2017
Doug Clute
Director
Board Member Since 2016
Eva Whitmore
Director
Board Member Since 2024
Tammy Urso
Director
Board Member Since 2025
Shelley Shamas
Director
Board Member Since 2025
Doug Abbott
Director
Board Member Since 2025
Volunteer leadership ensures responsible oversight and strategic direction.
You Spoke. We Listened.
In 2025, we asked our donors and supporters to share their experience with the Foundation. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the feedback we received is already shaping how we work.
Overall Satisfaction
What You Loved
Average satisfaction score
How We're Improving
Now Open
Share Your Feedback for 2026–2027
Your voice helps shape the Foundation's future. Take a few minutes to complete our new donor experience survey — every response makes a difference.
Honouring Those
We Love
Tribute gifts are a meaningful way to celebrate a life, honour a loved one, or recognize someone special. We are grateful for every gift made in tribute.
Richard Riley
in memory of
Norma Hutchings
in memory of
Monik Chenier
in memory of
Ralph Macleod
in memory of
Bernard Sr. LEBLANC
in memory of
Andrew Irvin Berry
in memory of
Lenora (Norrie) Wells
in memory of
Shirley Fecteau
in memory of
Gerard Faubert
in memory of
Jean Paul Raymond
in memory of
Donna Lyn Digulla
in memory of
Marie Paul Goudreau
in memory of
Rex Steel
in memory of
Melvin "Mel" Herrington
in memory of
Colin Gosselin
in memory of
Jan Bourgeois, Dr Mary Shamas and Susan Klub
in honour of
Earle Newstead
in memory of
Mitch Gajda
in honour of
Stephen Schellekens
in memory of
Cindy Elliott
in memory of
Donna North
in memory of
Anthony Temper
in memory of
Morris Rutledge
in memory of
Jim & Marie-Anne Brown
in honour of
Mr Clark Hutton
in honour of
Kristeen, Omer, Jacob, David, Mucky Proulx
in honour of
Edo Ten Broek
in memory of
Sam Lawrence
in memory of
Dan Macdonald
in memory of
Terry Trivers
in memory of
Jennifer Lutes
in honour of
James Anderson
in memory of
Gladys Sterling
in memory of
Mark Everitt
in memory of
Mrs Beulah Dunn
in memory of
Lola Barber
in memory of
Gloria Jean Hawdon
in memory of
Jo Ann Hunter
in memory of
Dr. Natalia Kargbo
in honour of
Reg Seabrook
in memory of
Leah Gauthier
in memory of
Monique Gagnon's mother
in memory of
Clair Campbell
in memory of
Kenneth Baxter
in memory of
Horace Hurtubise
in memory of
Roderick (Roddy) MacLeod
in memory of
Robert Stobie
in memory of
Audrey Dube
in memory of
Donald Robert (Joe) Wilkins
in memory of
Susan Ethier
in memory of
Myrna MacMillan
in memory of
Claude Denis Saucier
in memory of
Gerald Wayne McMillan
in memory of
Ronald (Ron) Mallette
in memory of
Eleanor Carlson
in memory of
Susanne Rainville
in memory of
Dorilla Rainville
in memory of
Mike Laderoute
in memory of
Lynn Iturregui
in memory of
Robert "Bob" Gallagher
in memory of
Earl Bell
in memory of
Amounts not shown in accordance with donor privacy.
Nora and Earl Bell
Following the passing of Earl Bell, Nora and Earl Bell's estate made a generous gift of more than $25,000 to support local healthcare through the North Shore Health Network Foundation.
Their legacy will continue to strengthen patient care and improve access to healthcare close to home for years to come.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Some gifts create an immediate impact. Others continue caring for our communities for generations.
A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful ways to support a cause that matters to you. Whether large or small, every planned gift helps ensure future generations have access to the equipment, programs, and services our communities rely on.
Legacy giving looks different for everyone. What matters most is the impact it creates. By including the North Shore Health Network Foundation in your will or estate plans, you can leave a lasting legacy of care, compassion, and community.
If you are considering a legacy gift, we encourage you to speak with your family, lawyer, or financial advisor about your wishes.
Your Gift Goes Exactly Where You Choose
All donor contributions are held in designated funds and must legally be used as directed. This structure ensures compliance, transparency, and donor confidence.
Blind River Site Fund
Thessalon Site Fund
Richards Landing–Matthews Fund
Greatest Needs Fund
Funds cannot be reallocated without donor permission.
This structure ensures complete compliance, full transparency, and total donor confidence.
"Together, we are making a meaningful difference for patients and families across the North Shore."
At the North Shore Health Network, our mission is to provide effective compassionate healthcare. Achieving that mission across Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing-Matthews sites would not be possible without the incredible support of the North Shore Health Network Foundation, our Auxiliary groups, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
We are not separate organizations working independently. We are partners working toward the same goal — to be one team providing equitable, high-quality, integrated, rural health and wellness services for everyone.
Thanks to the generosity of our communities and the leadership of the Foundation, the entire 2025–2026 Capital Equipment Plan was fully funded. This remarkable achievement has allowed us to purchase critical equipment across all three sites, directly improving patient care and supporting our dedicated staff.
One example is the replacement and standardization of our Root Masimo vital signs monitoring systems at all three sites. By investing in the same equipment across all sites, we improve efficiency, support patient safety, and ensure a consistent experience for both patients and staff.
I am incredibly proud of the strong partnership between NSHN and the Foundation and grateful for the commitment shown by everyone who supports local health care.
Thank you for believing in local health care.
Tim Vine
President & CEO, North Shore Health Network
The Next Chapter
Begins Now
Grow the Board of Directors
2026We need representation from Thessalon and Richards Landing
Continued Capital Expansion
OngoingGrowing equipment needs across all three sites
2026–2028 Strategic Plan
In ProgressCurrently in development — shaping the next chapter of growth
Expand Major Gift Cultivation
2026–2027Deepening relationships with transformational donors
Grow Third-Party Fundraising
2026–2027Strengthening grassroots fundraising infrastructure
Spring 2027 Gala (Exploration)
Spring 2027Exploring a landmark fundraising event to mark our growth
2026–2027 NSHN Capital Plan
Click each category to expand the full equipment list
Corporate Services
$137,400
Clinical Services
$273,400
Total Capital Need
$410,800
Meals on Wheels Program Support
Essential community nutrition services
Funding Goal
$15,000
The Meals on Wheels Program provides nutritious meals to seniors and vulnerable residents throughout our communities, helping individuals remain in their homes longer while reducing social isolation.
For 2026–2027, we are seeking to raise $15,000 to offset rising food, packaging, transportation, and program delivery costs.
"Supporting health care close to home extends beyond hospital walls. Programs like Meals on Wheels help keep our communities healthy, connected, and cared for."
Help Us Reach $425,800
In 2026–2027, the Foundation must raise $425,800 to fund the next Capital Plan and sustain Meals on Wheels services across the North Shore.
Whether through a donation, monthly gift, sponsorship, volunteer role, legacy gift, or community fundraiser, there is a place for everyone to be part of the next chapter.
Give Today →Together, we are keeping healthcare within reach.
2025–2026
Year in Photos
Community events, equipment milestones, and some of the faces behind the impact.
