We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
June 18, 2024
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher.
What does it take to give to other people in need? What does pay it forward really look like in a community? Why is Stratford rated in the top ten best Ontario cities to retire? Stratford is a humble community with a big heart. To live here and have a sense of community is a gift. Many people live their entire lives in Stratford, like Adam and Erma Clarke who were the light to many in the community.
Adam, employed by Cooper, was a Tinsmith by trade and even traveled to Toronto to work the Rounds in train maintenance and repair. After Cooper closed he joined the P.U.C. staff in Stratford. He was a gentle soul who possessed a determination to live life with morality and kindness. Loved by the community at large, Adam was a willing participant who was eager to help others. As a member of Ontario Street Baptist Church the Clarke’s gave generously to make the community a better place.
Erma was employed as an X-ray technician at Stratford General Hospital (SGH). The eldest of four, she thrived in leadership opportunities spending many years with the Girl Guides mentoring children who remember her fondly as Brown Owl. Early morning bus rides to competitions with The Stratford Festival City Majorettes were a highlight for Erma. Gardening was not only a hobby but also her passion. She loved creating floral arrangements for special events and the church. Erma inspired others to take pride in everything they did. “For if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well”, was a favourite phrase of hers. For 21 years, she crossed hundreds of children to safely get to Hamlet School. For her dedication to public safety she received the Volunteer of Distinction award.
Adam and Erma loved getting involved in community initiatives and were often the driving force for progress. If they could do the job asked of them, they would.
Cancer crept into both of them like a slow-moving shadow. Years of treatments and surgeries between Stratford and London established new community relationships. “I remember listening to Mom tell her Doctor how much she loved him,” says daughter, Susan. “This was after her diagnosis of a cancer recurrence.”
Erma and Adam appreciated the care given to them while in treatment. They believed that the hospitals needed help. Seeing first-hand the difficulties with equipment, staffing numbers, long waits on uncomfortable furniture prompted their legacy gift.
The Pharmacist’s Study in the new Cancer & Medical Care Clinic at SGH that will house the memories of Adam and Erma is quite fitting. This will be a place where physicians and pharmacists will collaborate to develop the best patient care plans.
“Mom carried a big binder to appointments to reference when Doctors or Nurses wanted to discuss treatments. It seems fitting that their gift should go towards providing a comfortable space for such important planning,” adds Susan.
Likewise, London Health Sciences was able to purchase six comfort chairs and TVs in the chemo suite with the legacy gift from Adam and Erma.
“I remember a discussion I had with Mom about legacy giving to the hospitals. After a thoughtful pause, like she was remembering a moment back in time, she said to me ‘Dad and I hated sitting those long hours in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room.’ It impacted them enough to leave sizable gifts to both hospitals. They believed that to be a part of a community one should share their means to help others.”
June 24 will mark the five year anniversary of Erma’s passing. Adam passed away in 2006.
“Each day is another without our parents,” notes Susan. “By remembering them today I hope our family can demonstrate the teaching of their generosity. It brings our family happiness knowing that we can bring light to others in their time of need.”
March 29, 2024
The Stratford General Hospital Board of Trustees send their heartfelt tghanks to our wonderful donors. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year the Stratford General Hospital Foundation disbursed $809,399.02 to the hospital. These funds were used to invest in the following pieces of equipment:
Medical Imaging
Integrated Stroke Unit/Telemetry
Maternal Child
Rehabilitation
Laboratory
Mental Health
Emergency Room
Donated Expenses: $111,859.94
We can never say thank you enough for our donors' support!
February 14, 2024
Our heartfelt thanks to Richard and Jean Smelski for making a very generous donation of $35,877.55 to mark the end of Smelski Pumpkin Farm located in Shakespeare. We congratulate them on all their hard work, and know many families and visitors will miss visiting their pumpkin farm- an annual tradition where countless cherished memories were made!
Richard and Jean share the following message: "Smelski Pumpkin patch is no more – it was an enjoyable and good ride for the last 20 years. We have made the decision to quit our noted Pumpkin Farm on a high, ‘and not when we have to’. To all our customers and followers, Thank You! After a thorough search, we decided to donate to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation, as a token of our appreciation and successes. At our senior stage in life- the Stratford General Hospital Foundation is more of an investment than a donation–it is only right to share our well-being knowing this is one of the best health providers right next door, which we need and depend on. Not only do we thank the many customers, associates and friends through this donation, but also to a well-managed health provider that we can depend on. Thank You.”
February 6, 2024
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) Board of Directors were recently given a tour of our Cancer & Medical Care Unit and Pharmacy redevelopment project at the Stratford General Hospital site.
Co-hosted by Ryan Itterman, Director Diagnostics and Regional Pharmacy & Chemotherapy and Francesco Sabatini, Project Manager Facilities Management, members got a behind-the-scenes (and ceilings and walls) glimpse of the progress of the construction which has been ongoing since January 2023. They also learned how this new space will positively impact our patients and team members and allow us to care for more patients closer to home.
Here are some highlights of their tour!
This project is funded as part of the Foundation’s $30 million In Our Hands Capital Campaign. Thanks to generous donors we recently reached 90% of our goal!
January 11, 2024
Cheryl Hunt, Executive Director of the Stratfod General Hospital Foundation; Rick Orr, In Our Hands Capital Campaign Co-Chair, and Andrew Williams, President & CEO of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance were honoured to gather with Strickland’s Stratford Toyota staff to celebrate the achievement of their $100,000 gift pledge being paid in full!
These funds will be designated towards our In Our Hands Capital Campaign. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to community members who have helped support this fundraising effort, your gift has a real impact on the lives of our patients!
The In Our Hands Campaign is made up of a list of vital equipment updates, staff supports, and hospital refurbishment projects. These are all made possible through our donors’ generosity!
Every donation, no matter how large or small, helps us continue to make a real difference in community health care.
To meet tomorrow’s needs, we must ask for your help today!
When you give to your Hospital:
We’re there when you need us… now we need you!
Please make a contribution to:
Stratford General Hospital Foundation
46 General Hospital Drive
Stratford, ON N5A 2Y6
Our community has a rich tradition of support. For more than 100 years, patients have been treated with the highest quality care at our Hospital, thanks in part to our generous community’s commitment to health care. Whether individuals, businesses, service clubs or community groups, our Hospital and patients have consistently benefited from people caring for people.
