Behind every successful Foundation Board of Directors is a team of passionate community members who give their time, expertise, and heart.

This profile highlights a newer director whose perspective and passion for community healthcare bring valuable insight to the Foundation’s work.

Sarah Colman

Sarah Colman is a retired lawyer with more than two decades of experience in legal and governance roles. She served as General Counsel for the Ontario Principals’ Council, following earlier work as an associate at Lerners LLP in London.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Queen’s University, an Honours BA in English Literature, and a Certificat de français pratique from Western University, and completed her articles as a law clerk with the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

Originally from Palmerston, Ontario, Sarah has lived in Stratford since 2003. She is married with three children, aged 25, 23 and 16. After commuting to Toronto for more than 20 years, she is now enjoying the opportunity to become more deeply connected to the local community.

With a strong background in governance and a growing connection to the Foundation, Sarah brings both professional expertise and a personal passion for healthcare.

In the Q&A below, she shares what inspired her to get involved, her connection to the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance - Stratford General Hospital, and what she hopes to support moving forward.

What inspired you to join the Stratford General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors?

I was surprised to learn that hospitals are not funded by the government for equipment, even essential items like beds, surgical instruments, and operating room lighting. Once I understood this, I felt strongly motivated to help our local hospital in whatever way I could.

Why is supporting local healthcare important to you?

I want everyone in our community to have access to the best possible healthcare, as quickly as possible — especially in urgent or life-altering situations. The best way to ensure that is by supporting our local hospital so it can meet the needs of our community. The hospital can’t do its best work without community support.

What excites you about the future of healthcare in our community?

I’m very excited about the upcoming replacement of our MRI machine. When my eldest daughter was young, she required multiple surgeries, and waiting for an MRI was one of the most frustrating parts of the process. I am glad our new MRI will be quicker, allowing for more patients to be seen.

What skills or experience do you bring to the Board?

I bring board experience, strong analytical skills, and a background in policy development. I also value collaboration and enjoy working with others to solve problems creatively.

Is there a particular hospital service or area of care that resonates with you personally?

My father lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and I was deeply moved when I toured the hospital and saw the dementia care supports in place. From sensory tools and calming spaces to safety features like door-monitoring watches, these thoughtful additions made possible through community donations, make a meaningful difference for patients and their families.

What do you love most about this community?

Stratford is a small city with big-city energy, especially in the summer. We’re fortunate to have world-class theatre, excellent schools and sports facilities, incredible restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, and an exceptional hospital.

Do you have a personal connection to the Stratford General Hospital or a story that stands out?

My youngest daughter was born at Stratford General Hospital, and it was a wonderful experience for our family. I needed a C-section and felt completely confident in the care I would receive. The environment was calm and supportive, and we were cared for thoughtfully by the entire team.

What do you hope the Foundation will accomplish in the next five years?

I hope the Foundation can continue to attract new donors by raising awareness about the gap in government funding for healthcare. If more people understand how essential community support is, I believe they will be inspired to give.

If you could champion one future project for the hospital, what would it be?

While I’m very passionate about supporting the new MRI, I also want to highlight the need for funding basic but essential equipment like beds, surgical instruments and sterilization equipment. These are critical to patient care, and it’s important that people understand their donations help fund these necessities.

What do you enjoy doing (hobbies, interests, volunteer work)?
I enjoy playing pickleball and have met some fantastic people in our community that way.

I also volunteer as a Board member for Family Services Perth Huron, am a Land Steward for the Bruce Trail Conservancy (Bruce Peninsula section), and support the Stratford Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts.

I’m an avid reader and love my book club, and I enjoy going to the theatre and work as an usher so I can see more performances!