Volunteer Spotlight – Paul Osborne
Paul Osborne joined the volunteer Foundation board in 2016 and has been a strong advocate for the Foundation and the Hospital since then.
“The Hospital is so important to us all. You know, we may go to different banks, attend different churches, eat at different restaurants, but when we are in need, we all go to the same hospital.” Paul speaks from experience: his three children were born at the Hospital, and his late wife, Susan, was treated there while battling cancer.
“It is a real focal point, an anchor in the City, and we need to take care of it. When I first became involved with the Foundation, I was shocked to learn that all equipment used in the direct care of patients at Guelph General Hospital has to be funded by community dollars. I had no idea! We are so grateful that Guelph is such a giving City. It’s one reason why GGH is one of the top-rated hospitals in the province,” said Paul.
Paul leads by example. He is an active board and committee member, and recently completed a two-year term as Chair. He has always been willing to jump in and help in so many other ways, including set-up for Black Tie Bingo, and putting his radio experience to good use by serving as emcee for events.
Paul has been a recognizable and well-regarded public figure in the Royal City since his arrival in 1984 to work for CJOY and Magic 106.1, the local radio stations. It was supposed to be a six-month gig and turned into twelve years. Today, Paul is Associate Vice President of Marketing, Community Relations & Special Programs for Conestoga College in neighbouring Kitchener-Waterloo. But his heart is here in Guelph.
Paul is a founding member of the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame and the Guelph Grizzlies volleyball club (now the Junior Gryphons) and still writes his weekly “From the Stands” column for the Guelph Storm in the Mercury Tribune. A past board member of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, he has also volunteered with the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington and Hospice Wellington. Concerning his ongoing commitment to the Hospital, Paul says, “The Foundation Board work is fun; we have productive meetings and challenging plans, and it’s great to work with purposeful people who share my enjoyment in supporting the hospital.”
In his last year on the board, Paul will continue to encourage the giving that’s so important to the Hospital. He is intent on seeing the Together, We Care campaign reach its goal of $34 million before he completes his final term.
“This is the most urgent community fundraising project ever. We’re focusing on essential projects: expanding our strained Emergency Department, creating new space to support better mental health and addictions care, investing in new equipment and technology including the much-needed MRI scanner, and upgrading our Special Care Nursery.”
He says, “It would be nice to leave the Board having completed the most significant campaign in the Hospital’s history.” The need is pressing, and with leaders like Paul Osborne, we are definitely on our way!
Paul’s six-year term on the Foundation board may be coming to an end next year, but his impact in helping to save lives and improve health will be long-lasting.