Former Bruce Power President makes significant donation to Kincardine Hospital redevelopment campaign

Today, the Kincardine & Community Health Care Foundation announced a significant donation of $1 million from Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne toward the “Building Health Care for Generations” campaign to expand and renovate the Kincardine hospital site of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.

The Kincardine hospital has moved into Stage 3 approvals for a project that will more than double the footprint of the emergency room, medical imaging unit (including the CT and new MRI) and laboratory space. To recognize this significant donation, the renovated Emergency Department will be named in honour of the Hawthornes.

The Hawthornes are well-known in the Kincardine area for their ongoing support of local health care. The Hawthorne Community Clinic is a hub for family health care and their continued support of the Huron Shores Hospice has brought peace to the final days of many area families.

“Lesley and I are pleased to support the fundraising efforts. The provision of high quality local medical services will make a difference to the lives of many people in our area and, although we do not live here full-time, Kincardine will always feel like home to us.” says Duncan Hawthorne.

                             Duncan Hawthorne (R) and Lesley Hawthorne (2nd from L)

“We want to express our sincere gratitude for this generous donation that supports the vision of modern, accessible health care for everyone close to home” says Becky Fair, President of the Kincardine & Community Health Care Foundation board.

The Hawthorne’s donation will join the combined contributions of thousands of donors to raise $18 million to cover the local share-cost of construction and equipment. Nancy Shaw, CEO of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre echoed Fair’s comments saying, “This gift cements the Hawthorne legacy of supporting health care for the present and future residents of Kincardine, and we are so proud to have the new Emergency Department named for them.”

The Foundation has gathered a team of volunteers led by co-chairs Kathryn Freimanis and Graham Mahood and includes current and retired health care workers, business people, and interested community members. These ambassadors are reaching out to families, community groups and businesses to successfully complete its “Building Health Care for Generations” campaign. Community members who would like more information about supporting the campaign can contact Mark Womack, Capital Campaign Manager, at 519-396-3331 x4335 or kfcapitalcampaign@outlook.com.

About the Foundation: The Kincardine & Community Health Care Foundation was established in 1995 as a non-profit charitable organization. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that is commited to representing the people of Kincardine and the surrounding communities. The sole purpose of the Foundation is to raise funds for the benefit of our local hospital.