This past November, the Northern Lights Health Foundation proudly recognized Beverly, Howie, Kim and Craig Ewashko with a National Philanthropy Day Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Edmonton.

In 1966, Bev and her late husband Roy arrived in Fort McMurray and established Northland Forest Products Ltd. in 1971. Since then, the family has experienced significant business success and contributed to many worthy causes throughout the region.

In 1999, when Roy was diagnosed with a brain tumour, they found themselves having to travel to Edmonton regularly for MRI scans, since they were unavailable in Fort McMurray at the time.

Following Roy’s passing in 2004, the Ewashkos approached the Health Foundation, wanting to bring lifesaving MRI services to the Wood Buffalo region.

The result was a $3.5 million capital campaign, which led to the funding of a new MRI machine for the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. As part of the campaign, the Ewashko family made a substantial personal gift.

The addition of the MRI to the Health Centre in 2005 has improved access to this critical service in our community - keeping people closer to their support networks and to their home.

Since then, the Ewashko Family has continued supporting the Health Foundation by contributing their time, talent and resources in support of health care in our community. The Health Foundation thanks and recognizes the Ewashko family for their continued commitment to the Wood Buffalo region.

This past November, Bev and Howie Ewashko (far right) attended the National Philanthropy Day Awards in Edmonton where their family was recognized for their generosity to the Wood Buffalo region.