FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort McMurray, AB – The Northern Lights Health Foundation welcomed community leaders, supporters, and healthcare champions under the big top on Saturday, April 25, for a sold-out Spring Fling, proudly presented by Suncor. Transformed into a dazzling evening inspired by The Greatest Showman, the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts immersed guests in circus-inspired wonder, featuring breathtaking performances by Sarah the Aerialist, dynamic local talent from MKD The Space, and musical sets by Sarah Swier and Matty Parlee, all while raising over $200,000 to support local healthcare initiatives across the Wood Buffalo region.
The centerpiece of the evening was the Health and Wellness Spectacle, which highlighted how donor support directly shapes local care. Attendees received an exciting update on last year’s Fund-A-Need project, MagSeed, which is set to launch in the region this June to enhance local breast cancer care. Guests also learned about the upcoming renovation of the Emergency Department Quiet Room, a meaningful initiative moving forward in partnership between the Health Foundation and the family of Emily Verge.
The momentum carried directly into this year’s high-energy Fund-A-Need initiative, dedicated to securing a new Panda Warmer for the Emergency Department. This specialized, critical piece of equipment plays a vital role in stabilizing and caring for newborns and infants requiring urgent medical care. Attendees rallied together to ensure the life-saving equipment was fully funded before the night concluded.
“Spring Fling has always been about the magic that happens when our community comes together, but watching the room unite for our littlest patients was truly unforgettable,” said Vanessa MacNevin, CEO of the Northern Lights Regional Health Foundation. “Fully funding the Panda Warmer ensures our Emergency Department has the vital tools needed for newborns and infants in those first critical moments. Every dollar from this incredible event remains in the Wood Buffalo region to enhance care for our families.”
The milestone evening underscored the immense power of local partnerships, championed by the gala’s longtime presenting sponsor Suncor.
“This community has shown, year after year, that access to quality healthcare close to home matters,” said Stephane Gagnon, Board Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. “The ongoing success of Spring Fling is a direct reflection of that commitment. The ongoing generosity of the community ensures we can continue equipping our region with the specialized tools needed to care for our families right here in Wood Buffalo.”
The Northern Lights Health Foundation extends its sincere thanks to presenting sponsor Suncor, as well as the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, performers, and guests who made the evening possible.
For more information about the Northern Lights Health Foundation or to support ongoing local healthcare initiatives, please visit www.nlhf.ca.
Media Contact:
Vanessa MacNevin, Chief Executive Officer
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Vanessa.MacNevin@ahs.ca
Phone: 780-791-6178