Helping Brighten Hospital Stays for Young Patients

July 22, 2026

Thanks to the generosity of MD Financial Management, Scotiabank, their team members and community supporters, children receiving care at the HPHA – Stratford General Hospital will have access to more toys, games and creative activities during their hospital stay.

Throughout the month of June, MD Financial Management and Scotiabank invited staff, clients and community members to donate new toys and arts and crafts supplies in support of children receiving care at local hospitals. Together, the initiative collected more than 1,200 items across the region, including more than 200 for our Maternal Child Unit.

The donations include colouring books, crayons, markers, craft kits and a variety of toys that will be shared with children receiving care throughout the year. These thoughtful gifts provide opportunities for play, creativity and distraction throughout a child's hospital stay. For children who are feeling better but not yet ready to go home, they can also help pass the time and ease boredom as they continue to recover.

The Stratford General Hospital Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to MD Financial Management and Scotiabank for leading this meaningful initiative, and to the staff, clients and community members whose donations made it possible. Their kindness will help create brighter moments for children and families throughout the year.

A Personal Experience Inspires a Practical Gift

July 21, 2026

A late-night visit to the HPHA – Stratford General Hospital Emergency Department inspired Michael Welsh to help improve care for future patients.

Last year, after losing his wife, June, to pancreatic cancer, Michael put on a ring he had given her fifty years earlier. Not long afterward, the ring became so tightly lodged on his finger that it could not be removed. Despite numerous attempts to remove it at home, he turned to the hospital for help.

A dedicated nurse spent more than two hours carefully removing the ring, ensuring Michael suffered no injury in the process. He remains grateful for the skill, patience and compassion shown throughout his care.

Months later, Michael read a Globe and Mail article about the Canadian-made Ring Rescue device, designed to safely remove rings quickly and with less discomfort for patients. The story immediately brought him back to his own experience.

Inspired to help, Michael made a gift to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation to purchase a Ring Rescue device.

Today, this specialized equipment is available in the Emergency Department, helping care teams safely remove rings more quickly and comfortably while improving the patient experience.

Through his thoughtful gift, Michael has transformed a difficult personal experience into an opportunity to benefit patients and care teams for years to come.

A Tradition That Continues to Soar!

June 23, 2026

A beloved community tradition took flight once again this year as the Perth County Flying Club's Fly-In, Drive-In Breakfast raised $6,225 in support of Stratford General Hospital Foundation’s greatest needs fund.

Held on June 7 at the Stratford Municipal Airport, the annual event brought together aviation enthusiasts, classic car lovers, families, and community supporters for a morning of food, fellowship and fun, all while making a meaningful impact on local healthcare.

This year's success was made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers and supporters. The Flying Club extends special thanks to its event sponsors — Accumetal Manufacturing, Stratford Air Services, Strickland's Automart, and Work Pub & Eatery — for their generous financial and in-kind support, including the use of hangar space that helped make the event possible. Appreciation is also extended to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation, Gusair Photography, Stratford Fire Department, Stratford Cruises, and the 107.1 CJCS / 2dayFM SMP Community Cruiser for helping create a memorable experience for attendees.

By supporting the hospital's greatest needs fund, proceeds from the event help ensure resources are available where they are needed most, enhancing care for patients and families across our region.

Since its inception, the Fly-In, Drive-In Breakfast has raised more than $49,000 in support of patient care at the HPHA - Stratford General Hospital. That remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of volunteers, sponsors, participants, and attendees who continue to make this event a shining example of community support in action.

251 Kilometres. One Incredible Impact.

June 19, 2026

When Samm Simon set out from Stratford on the Epic Run for Cancer, he had a bigger goal in mind than reaching Tobermory.

Over seven days, Samm completed an incredible 251-kilometre journey, inspiring friends, family, sponsors, and supporters to rally behind a cause close to his heart. Motivated by his wife's cancer journey and a desire to help others facing similar challenges, Samm transformed every kilometre into an opportunity to make a difference.

Today, we are honoured to recognize Samm's generosity and determination with a gift of $11,300 in support of the Emergency Department.

The funds are part of more than $33,000 raised through Samm's Epic Run for Cancer, with gifts also being presented to Wellspring Stratford and the London Health Sciences Foundation in support of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

Samm's Epic Run for Cancer brought together donors, sponsors, family members, friends, and community supporters who believed in his vision and cheered him on every step of the way. Together, they have created a lasting impact for patients and families who rely on these essential healthcare and support services.

Through determination, compassion, and a commitment to helping others, Samm has demonstrated the power of one person to inspire a community. The impact of his journey will be felt close to home for years to come.

Kicking Up Support for Surgical Care

May 28, 2026

Many thanks to the Stratford Men’s Masters Soccer Club for their support of the HPHA - Stratford General Hospital through the John Buca Stratford CT Memorial Masters Tournament.

This year’s tournament raised $2,400 in support of Surgical Services — helping fund staff amenities within the department, with remaining proceeds directed toward equipment needs.

Led by Tournament Official and Organizer Darren Flood, RPN, the tournament is a meaningful reflection of community connection. Working in the Operating Room at Stratford General Hospital, Darren brings together his passion for healthcare and soccer in support of the hospital and the colleagues he works alongside every day.

The John Buca Stratford CT Memorial Masters Tournament is a wonderful example of how community-driven events can make a lasting impact close to home — supporting both the people who provide care and the patients who rely on it.

Thank you to the Stratford Men’s Masters Soccer Club and everyone involved in making this year’s tournament such a success.

Pouring Support into Critical Care

May 22, 2026

We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford for their generous $10,000 donation in support of patient care at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance -  Stratford General Hospital.

Raised through the club’s popular Wine Survivor fundraiser, the donation will help fund the purchase of a procedural stretcher for the Critical Care Unit, with the remaining funds directed to the Foundation’s Greatest Needs Fund to support urgent equipment and patient care priorities across the hospital.

The new stretcher will help support safe and efficient patient care on the Critical Care Unit, providing comfort for patients while supporting the needs of the care team.

Through initiatives like Wine Survivor, the Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford continues to make a meaningful impact on local healthcare and the well-being of patients and families throughout the community.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford, along with everyone who participated in and supported the fundraiser, for helping strengthen care close to home.

More Than a Cookie. A Community of Care.

May 21, 2026

Together, our community raised an incredible $51,082.87 during this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week in support of the Cancer & Medical Care Clinic at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) - Stratford General Hospital.

This achievement belongs to every person who purchased a cookie, made a donation, volunteered their time to decorate smile cookies, organized workplace orders, and supported the campaign throughout the week.

To the Tim Hortons teams, volunteers, community partners, HPHA team, and cookie lovers across Stratford, thank you for showing what community care truly looks like.

Small Comforts, Meaningful Impact

May 5, 2026

Thank you to Corey Goebel Desjardins Insurance for their generous donation of comfort items for children visiting our Emergency Department.

From notebooks and colouring supplies to stickers and fidget toys, these thoughtful gifts will help provide moments of calm and distraction when it’s needed most. For children, a visit to the Emergency Department can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Having something to focus on, hold, or play with can ease anxiety, offer comfort, and help create a more positive experience during their time in care.

This meaningful contribution reflects Corey Goebel Desjardins Insurance’s commitment to supporting the well-being of individuals and families across our community.

Thank you for helping us create a more compassionate and child-friendly environment for our younger patients and their families.

CUPE 1385 – City of Stratford Supports Our Smallest Patients

March 26, 2026

A heartfelt thank you to CUPE 1385 – City of Stratford for their generous $2,000 donation in support of the Special Care Nursery.

Their gift will help purchase essential equipment, including a bottle warmer and thermometer. These items support the comfort and care of our tiniest patients during their earliest days.

In addition to their financial contribution, CUPE 1385 members went above and beyond by fundraising and thoughtfully selecting items to support families during their time in the Special Care Nursery.

Their generosity includes personal care kits for the courtesy room, craft materials for creating personalized patient name plates, and special items to be included in each Special Care Nursery Graduate gift bag.

These meaningful touches help create a more welcoming, supportive environment for families, while also helping to celebrate important milestones along the way.

We are so grateful to CUPE 1385 for their compassion and commitment to caring for families in our community. Together, we are helping ensure the best possible start for our smallest patients.