Health Foundation Board of Directors Announces AGM Highlights and 2021-2022 Executive and New Members
The Northern Lights Health Foundation held its annual general meeting on June 23rd. Members reviewed the 2020-2021 Audited Financial Statements and held elections for the Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary positions. The Board also welcomed two new members and added a new Honorary Director to the leadership team.
Under the guidance of Chair Nelson Barbosa, the Executive Committee is now composed of Vice-Chair Greg Fuhr, Treasurer Stephane Gagnon, and Secretrary Conor Clark. In addition, Robyn Villebrun and Lloyd Antoine were welcomed to the Board, joining continuing members Adele Thomson, Karla Buffalo, Kevin Shulko, Murray Crawford, Brent Janke, Dr. Adrian Indar, and Kyle Taback.
Long-time member Melanie Antoine completed her term on the Board, including four years spent as Chair. In recognition of her dedication and leadership, and to provide her with the opportunity to continue representing and supporting the Health Foundation, Melanie accepted a role as an Honorary Member of the Board.
Highlights of the AGM included the 2020-2021 Audited Financial Statements, which show the Health Foundation in a strong financial position to meet its grant obligations and to support new and ongoing regional healthcare initiatives. The Health Foundation contributed over $1.5m to AHS in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
During the year, a Grand Opening was held for the completed Jeremy Snook Memorial Palliative Suites. The Minimally Invasive Suites project progressed to the construction stage and much of the new, minimally invasive surgical technology has been received. As well, NLHF contributed $800,000 to the purchase of the Omnicell Medication Distribution System which is now in use throughout the hospital.
Despite pandemic health restrictions, the Health Foundation was able to host two signature events during the year – the 3rd Annual Hospital Bed Races and the 31st Annual Festival of Trees, both of which were well attended and appreciated by community members. Sponsors showed great confidence in the Foundation, being involved from the planning stages and helping to ensure these events were both successful and safe. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Bed Races, and thank you to all who purchased tickets to Winter Wonderland, bid on silent auction items, bought the beautifully decorated trees, and bought raffle tickets throughout the year.
Thank you to the donors who answered our calls for charitable support throughout the year, and to everyone for staying connected to the Health Foundation. It was a long year and we appreciate your support.
The Health Foundation Board and staff thank the many corporate and community groups and individuals who hosted events and directed the proceeds to the Foundation. In 2020-2021, we worked with the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Week, the CIM Golf Tournament, the RE/MAX Fort McMurray Golf Tournament, the Lights at Royal Gardens, Bright Nights, and the Markaz Ul Islam Congregation, the Royal Canadian Legion, Amy Rempp, Balloon Moose, Sign Guru, Premier Academy, Buddy the Elf, Prestige Jewellers, Heroic Holden, Royal Arch Masons, Greenlight Productions and many others who hosted events, or sold merchandise, with proceeds being used to support health.
There are so many creative ways to be involved with the Foundation and we look forward to many new and exciting opportunities in the year ahead.