Our History
For the past 40 years, the Northern Lights Health Foundation has funded medical equipment, programs and services to enhance health care in Wood Buffalo.
1985
In 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation was established as the lead health care fundraising body in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.1987
The Health Foundation receives official charitable status under the Hospitals Act and begins gaining recognition in the community through its annual Signature Events, the Festival of Trees and Spring Fling. The organization raises $20,000 – $50,000 annually.
1990’s
The Health Foundation receives support of individual and corporate donors, and the impact of their gifts are seen throughout the walls of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.
2000
The Health Foundation launches its first-ever capital campaign, which raised funds for renovations to the Health Centre’s operating suites.
2001
The Health Foundation runs its second campaign, raising $1.2 million for a 32-slice CT Scan.
2002
The Health Foundation successfully campaigns for $1 million to renovate the the Health Centre’s Emergency Department.
2005
The Health Foundation launches a $3.5 million campaign for the region’s first-ever MRI machine and a 64-slice CT Scan. The Health Foundation’s goal was met within seven months. The Health Foundation also erects its first donor wall on the main floor of the Health Centre.
2008
The Health Foundation runs its ‘Open Your Heart’ Campaign, raising $1 million for the replacement of the central monitoring system in the Intensive Care Unit.
2009
In 2009, the Health Foundation launches a $1 million campaign to replace the anesthesia machines in the operating suites of the Health Centre.
2012
The Health Foundation expands its focus from fundraising primarily for medical equipment within the Health Centre, to also fundraising for health programs and services throughout the Wood Buffalo region.
2014
The Board of Directors wraps up their transition from an operational board to a policy governance board. The Health Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of Festival of Trees, raising over $6 million since its inception. The Health Foundation receives accreditation under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program.
2015
The Health Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary with the erection of a new donor wall and the addition of an in-memorial/tribute donor wall. The Health Foundation received the 2015 Heart of Wood Buffalo Award for Community Impact. Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Health Foundation, receives the Executive Leadership Award. The Health Foundation invests more than $4.2 million into local health care.
2016
The Health Foundation publicly launches the largest capital campaign in its history – the $16 million Gratitude Campaign, which encompasses eight vital health care projects within the Wood Buffalo region. The Health Foundation aides the communities of Wood Buffalo to recover from the May 2016 Wildfire by dedicating time and funding to a wide variety of health projects throughout the region.
2017
The Health Foundation makes incredible strides with the Gratitude Campaign – receiving tremendous support from individual and corporate donors. Particular attention is paid to the Palliative Care Suites Project and the 3rd Jeremy Snook Memorial Raffle is held raising funds for the project.
2018
The Health Foundation announces at the Kentucky Derby Spring Fling that the campaign goal of $1.5m has been raised for the Palliative Care Suites Project and planning for the 3 family-friendly suites is moving ahead. The Health Foundation brings forward the Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites project – the largest project in the Gratitude Campaign with a fundraising goal of $7.6m.
2019
The Health Foundation was pleased to announce the completion of the fundraising for the Gratitude Campaign at Spring Fling 2019! In late 2018, the Foundation received acknowledgement of a $3M donation from Suncor Energy and the Suncor Energy Foundation and received a Capital Projects Grant of $400k from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
2020-2022
Throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Health Foundation secured funding and enabled numerous healthcare projects to be completed including the establishment of the Omni Cell Medication Distribution system throughout the hospital, the replacement and upgrade of all Vital Signs technology, the creation of the Jeremy Snook Palliative Care Suites, the renovation of the surgical suites and acquisition of advanced laparoscopic, endoscopic, and orthro-scopic technology. Signature events shifted to virtual platforms, we received recertification from Imagine Canada, we increased offerings of raffles and lotteries and worked with many community leaders and organizations to advance our mission.
2023
The Health Foundation set a new benchmark for charitable contributions at the 2023 Festival of Trees live auction. Finning’s graciously donated tree sold for a recording breaking $200,000 thanks to the generous contributions of Birch Mountain Enterprises LP, Aluma Systems, Tuccaro and Syncrude (presented by Suncor)
