Media Release: The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) Foundation celebrated a momentous year at its recent Annual General Meeting held at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor. With Foundation and HDGH Board Members in attendance, together with donors and community partners, the Foundation presented it’s 2025 disbursement cheque to the hospital in excess of $790,000.
In 2025, the HDGH Foundation raised over $1.6 million dollars in support of hospital programs and services. This total not only exceeded the Foundation’s projected budget, but represents a 47 percent increase from the previous year. The highest amount raised in a single year by the HDGH Foundation since its establishment on Prince Road.
“While we experienced positive growth across the board, including legacy giving, events and major gifts, what stands out most is our Grateful Patient giving, which has nearly doubled,” states Barbara Sebben, Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation. “This speaks directly to the experience our patients have with our healthcare teams. Grateful Patient philanthropy is driven by trust, gratitude and a genuine desire to give back following a positive care experience. When patients and families feel heard, supported, and well cared for, they are far more inclined to invest in the mission and the people who made that experience possible.”
In Ontario, hospitals receive government funding for operations and up to 90 percent of capital expenses - bricks and mortar. The remaining 10 perCent, along with funds to purchase equipment for these buildings is generated through fundraising dollars, raised by the Foundation through the generous support of the community.
“What happens every day on our campus is transformational – and it’s because of our donors that our specialized teams have the tools, proper training and resources they need to deliver that care”, states Bill Marra, President and CEO of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. “We are extremely grateful to have the support of the Foundation to help us fulfil our commitment of improving the health and well being of the Windsor-Essex Community through the delivery of person-centred, value-based care.”
Since it was established in 2015, the Foundation has not only fulfilled the minimum disbursement quota set by the Canadian Revenue Agency, but has continued to increase its annual disbursements to support the ongoing development of programs and services at HDGH. A testament to the Foundation’s commitment to responsible stewardship; to date, over $6.2 million dollars has been disbursed by the Foundation to HDGH.
“Achieving this level of success during a period of economic uncertainty reflects the collective impact of thoughtful governance, dedicated staff and an incredibly generous donor community,” said Lynn Lee, Chair of the HDGH Foundation Board of Directors. “As a Board, we are inspired by what the Foundation has accomplished and excited by the lasting impact it will continue to have on healthcare services for our community.”
Thanks to the generous support of the community, the Foundation was able to disburse its largest amount to date – over three quarters of a million dollars in support of the hospital. Funds helped support, among others: the establishment of the Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus, therapy room renovations, client activities, patient bed mattresses and staff education.
“Hôtel-Dieu Grace is a special place”, reminisces Dave Cassidy, Past Chair of the HDGH Foundation. “The care that happens on Prince Road changes the lives of some of our communities’ most vulnerable people and their families. Children, seniors, those struggling with mental health and addictions, rehabilitative care, complex and palliative care – HDGH isn’t like any other hospital, it’s a specialty hospital providing high quality and compassionate post-acute care. I’m proud to have been a part of HDGH as Foundation Board Chair for the past two years.”
With the recent grand opening of the Foundation supported Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre and the already sold-out May 25th HDGH Charity Golf Classic, the Foundation looks forward to continuing this success into another year. To learn more about the Foundation and how your gift can support programs and services at HDGH, visit www.hdgh.org/donate.
