Patient’s “Excellent Care” Creates Motivation for Seasonal Campaign

Grateful patients, Ron and Linda are advocating for The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s annual seasonal Fundraising Campaign.

In March of 2024, an ultrasound revealed Ron wasn’t getting enough blood flow to his leg, causing him to need surgery right away. After an extensive operation, Ron’s wife, Linda was worried they would lose him. Ron stayed 31 days at Guelph General to recover. Ron and Linda applaud the nurses, doctors and hospital volunteers for making their experience at the hospital a little easier.

“I just had excellent care from the minute I came here until I left,” says Ron. Wanting to give back and pay it forward, Ron and Linda have now added The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital to the annual causes they support each year. Ron had two vascular surgeries during this period, and they made a donation in honour of his surgeon Dr. Nicholas Afagh whom they describe as the “most capable and compassionate doctor” as well as other members of their care team. While they live in Kitchener, Ron received care in Guelph because the hospital is home to the region’s Vascular Surgery program, which serves a population of over 1 million people.

“You’ve got to remember your community hospital,” says Linda. “You need to share. You need to give back.”

Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital says that collectively, many donations of smaller amounts add up to making a huge difference when it comes to meeting the hospital’s demand for new equipment each year. “It’s with sincere thanks to everyday people like Ron and Linda who kindly donate, that our hospital staff are well equipped with the patient care equipment tools they need to diagnose and treat illness and injury and provide the highest quality of compassionate care.” Approximately half of the hospital’s patient care equipment needs this year will  be fulfilled by people donating under $1,000 – typically more like $30 a month, Byczynski says.

The hospital is a vital resource for every community member and Guelph General Hospital relies on community donations to fund all patient care equipment. 

Continued community support through monthly giving or annual donations, is crucial to ensuring that Guelph General Hospital is able to equip our healthcare teams with any and all necessary equipment that is vital to the community’s healthcare needs.

Donations to the Seasonal Campaign will support some of GGH’s highest priority equipment needs, and right now includes many tools that our hospital’s nurses rely on every day. These items include patient lifts, which allow the healthcare team to safely transfer patients; stretchers to enhance patient comfort and care; and new sleek wheelchairs with features like stand assist armrests and easy to use flip-up footrests, making it safer and more comfortable for patients and caregivers.

Today, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is sending letters by mail to those who have donated before as well as households across Guelph, Puslinch and Rockwood, asking for donations. At this time, there is uncertainty of a postal strike and how that may impact mail delivery times. Donating online at gghfoundation.ca may be the best option at this time. Donations can also be made by phone to 519-837-6422; If donating by mail is preferred, then a cheque payable to The Foundation of GGH mailed to 115 Delhi Street, Guelph, ON N1E 4J4 can be sent, but be aware of possible delays if a postal strike occurs.

Messages of thanks may be given along with donations. They will be put on display for the GGH team to enjoy over the holiday season.