SMMH FOUNDATION’S LATEST $1 MILLION DONATION TO HOSPITAL IN BRACEBRIDGE ADDS UP TO $6 MILLION SINCE 2023 THANKS TO DONORS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — Over the past three years, the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation has provided nearly $6 million for non-operating equipment and care for South Muskoka Memorial Hospital.
Including $1 million announced this week.
“That’s pretty incredible,” foundation CEO Leah Walker said this week while presenting a ceremonial cheque to MAHC president and CEO Cheryl Harrison.
“We’re fortunate to have such caring generous people in our corner to make it all happen,” added Walker. “It reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in the region and demonstrates the remarkable impact of community philanthropy.
“We transfer funds to the hospital at various times and various amounts throughout the year. It depends on the hospital purchasing schedule for capital and when funds are needed.
“We wanted to highlight this one as it is such a large disbursement,” she told MuskokaTODAY.com.
“These funds would have gone towards multiple projects including: Three substantial projects with varying pieces of equipment, technology and renovations were involved, including scope fleet replacement, central monitoring system and a urology table.”
She said “the last time we gave an amount this large was in December 2025, which would have contributed to a number of various other equipment/projects at that time as well, including the central monitoring system.”
Walker said the money “doesn’t cover hospital operating needs. We don’t fund operational costs; these funds only go towards new and/or replacement equipment/technology and facility renovations.”
Each year the hospital team reviews needs and prioritizes based on a number of factors including patient safety, staff safety, age and serviceability of the equipment, etc. Once the final list is approved, the Foundation works to raise funds to support those needs.
Some projects are so large that they are spread over multiple years, such as the CT scanner at the south Muskoka site in Bracebridge. It was purchased about 10 years ago and those funds would have all come from Foundation donors.
Her press release stated the donation “reinforces its commitment to ensuring patients have access to the highest quality healthcare close to home,” including diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems.
“Every piece of equipment plays a vital role in the care our patients receive, and every dollar raised matters.” said Walker.
“This $1 million investment is possible because of the incredible generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who believe in the importance of exceptional local healthcare.”
Hospital equipment is one of the most significant funding priorities for hospitals, with most essential medical devices not funded through government sources. As a result, community support through the Foundation is critical to ensuring healthcare professionals have access to the tools they need to provide the best possible care.
Added Harrison: “This investment will have a direct impact on patients throughout our region. We are grateful to the Foundation and every donor who has contributed to making this funding possible. Their support helps us continue to deliver safe, high-quality care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”
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