Dear Friend,

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am to be part of such a generous community. I’m reaching out to you not just as the Chair of the Stratford General Hospital Foundation Board, but as someone whose life has been touched by the remarkable care at our hospital.

When my wife, Kristin, and I moved to Stratford over twenty years ago, we knew this was where we wanted to build our lives and raise our family. Both of our children were born at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – Stratford General Hospital, and the care we received was nothing short of exceptional. Over the years, like many of you, we've turned to the hospital for everything from minor bumps and scrapes to more serious health concerns. Each time, we are reminded just how lucky we are to have such compassionate and skilled professionals here in our community, ready to care for us no matter what we’re facing.

I will never forget when our daughter Sarah fell ill with a severe virus as a young child. She had to spend several days on the Pediatric Unit, and while it was a difficult time for our family, the incredible care she received made all the difference. The staff not only took wonderful care of Sarah but also supported us as parents through every step, offering comfort and reassurance when we needed it most. It’s experiences like these that make me deeply grateful for the hospital and the people who work there.

Did you know that last year alone:

• 34,763 patients were cared for in our Emergency Department
• 804,370 lab tests were performed
• 9,253 outpatient (day) surgeries and 2,073 inpatient surgeries were performed
• 1,049 babies were delivered, 474 children received care on our Pediatric Unit and 149 babies were treated in our Special Care Nursery
• 849 patients were treated on our Critical Care Unit
• 610 patients were cared for on our Mental Health Unit
• 81,283 imaging exams, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI scans, etc. were completed
• 2,099 cancer care and 3,360 dialysis visits occurred 

As you can see, every day of the year our compassionate team members care for patients like you, your family, neighbours, friends, and those you have yet to meet. But none of this care is possible without essential equipment.

When I joined the Board seven years ago I was shocked to learn that all of this vital equipment - like X-ray machines, patient monitors, and even hospital beds - isn’t funded by government dollars. It’s made possible by the generosity of community members like you.

That’s why I am so passionate about our In Our Hands Capital Campaign. This campaign touches every patient care area of our hospital, raising funds for new medical equipment, lab improvements, staff training, redevelopment of our communication stations and transformation initiatives, such as supports for dementia care.

Another important investment in this campaign is the new Cancer & Medical Care Clinic and Pharmacy, scheduled to open this winter. This project represents hope for so many families facing the unimaginable, offering compassionate care close to home. But none of this would be possible without your continued support.

It is my honour to let you know that because of our incredible donors we’re 95% of the way, in cash and pledges, to our $30 Million goal. Fundraising is like a marathon; it’s the last few miles that are the hardest. As we enter this season of giving, I ask you to help us cross the finish line and ensure that HPHA – Stratford General Hospital has the vital tools it needs to care for all of us.

Your generosity truly makes a difference, and I can’t thank you enough for all that you do for our community.

Please consider making a gift this holiday season. Together, we can keep quality Care In Our Hands and Community In Our Hearts.

Wishing you and your loved ones health, peace, and joy this holiday season.

With sincere thanks,

Josef Frank

Board Chair Stratford General Hospital Foundation

P.S. - If you have responded to our spring letter, made a donation in memory or honour of a loved one, gifted securities or stocks, considered or confirmed a planned gift, participated in a third party event, purchased 50/50 tickets or volunteered your time - I offer my deepest thanks.

Your generosity is what makes everything we do possible. I hope you'll continue supporting our mission, ensuring that HPHA - Stratford General Hospital can meet the evolving needs of our community, adopt cutting-edge tools and technologies, and attract the skilled healthcare professionals who are key to our future.

DONATE TODAY!

During the postal strike you may consider one of the following options of making a gift:

• Donate Online: Visit our secure donation page by clicking on the DONATE TODAY button above—it's quick, easy, and available 24/7. You'll receive your tax receipt via email.

• Give Us a Call: Prefer to donate by credit card over the phone? Call us at 519-272-8210 ext. 2626 and our team will gladly assist you.

• Drop By In Person: Stop by our office to make your donation. We'd love to thank you in person! If you visit after hours, there is a secure mailbox located by the doors.

• E-transfers: Convenient and fast - E-transfers can be sent to [email protected] - be sure to include your contact information.