The Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation used its annual general meeting this week to look back on another year of growth and investment, while expressing appreciation for the support it continues to receive from communities across the region.
Over the past year, the Foundation adopted a new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and completed a comprehensive review of its governance policies and bylaws. The new Community Services Building and medical unit opened, while renovations continue across the main Boundary Trails Health Centre campus.
The Foundation also made a $1.5 million payment toward the ongoing hospital expansion project, part of its $10 million commitment to helping bring expanded healthcare services closer to home.
Executive Director Shannon Samatte-Folkett said increasing awareness of the Foundation’s work has translated into growing support from the community.
“Every year, it just, it grows more and more. And I think it’s just awareness. We’ve really been pushing that for a number of years and getting ourselves out there to explain to our communities who we are and what we do, and how their donations and gifts help,” she said, “We’re really excited to see how the next 25 years goes.”
Board Chair Brent Menzies described the Foundation’s role as helping provide equipment and programs that go beyond what Manitoba Health would otherwise fund.
“Supporting health care by things that Manitoba Health will not purchase right away through the generous donations of the community.”
Community support reflected in fundraising success
Among the highlights of the past year, Menzies said the Foundation’s gala raised $110,000, while its sold-out golf tournament brought in more than $100,000. The Smile Cookie campaign generated over $50,000 toward a future outdoor wellness space, and a golf cart raffle raised $37,000.
The Foundation’s winter 50-50 raffle also set a new record, generating $214,430, with the winner taking home $107,215.
Meanwhile, the staff 50-50 program reached a major milestone in its fifth year.
“Five years running, it has surpassed over $2 million in gross sales, with $1 million of that going back to health care staff.”
Samatte-Folkett said seeing projects become reality has helped build momentum.
“We have so many generous people that really believe in what we’re doing and paying it forward to the next generations.”
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Supporting patient care and staff
During the year, the Foundation invested $104,900 in its Palliative Care program to help ensure patients’ final moments are met with compassion, comfort and dignity.
Another $200,530 went toward equipment purchases, including an OBIE Mobile Pro machine for Recreation, a neuro chair for Rehabilitation Services, a head and cervical spine coil for Diagnostics, a pocket talker for Cancer Care, volunteer vests and maintenance equipment.
The Foundation also provided $76,000 toward recruitment, retention and education initiatives, $75,000 for Spiritual Care programming, and $19,200 for pediatric locum support.
Menzies said community support continues to make those investments possible.
“The community support has been overwhelming, and being able to provide the equipment and training for the staff here just brings us to that next level. Being able to provide the services close to home is really important.”
For the latest BTHC and Foundation news, events and announcements, visit the BTHC Foundation website at bthcfoundation.com.