Linda Hasenfratz and Ed Newton, 2025 Recipients

Linda and Ed have had a profound impact on our hospital and the community. Their remarkable contributions—spanning philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and economic development — have transformed healthcare and inspired a local culture of generosity.

Khalil Khamis, Chair of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital Board of Directors, praised their efforts: “Linda and Ed founded our Foundation’s Circle of Life donor program. Now in its second decade, this giving collective provides a vital, ongoing source of revenue to support our hospital’s most pressing needs. Over the years, they’ve inspired many to begin or increase their giving, helping to raise more than $3 million.” As advocates for the Circle of Life, Linda and Ed have personally hosted the program’s annual reception where members get to hear and vote on the hospital’s top fundraising priorities. In addition, Linda hosts the popular Circle of Life Seminars, sharing healthcare insights and engaging others in the pressing issues facing our community’s health.

Mark, Khalil, Ed, Linda, Julie
Mark Walton, President & CEO, Guelph General Hospital, Khalil Khamis, Chair, The Foundation of GGH, Ed Newton, Linda Hasenfratz, Julie Byczynski, CEO, The Foundation of GGH

Beyond the Circle of Life program, Linda’s leadership as Co-chair of the Together, We Care campaign helped raise an astounding $37.5 million. The campaign funded acquisition of indispensable patient care equipment, the transformation of the special care nursery, installation of a new MRI machine, and the expansion of the Emergency Department, including mental health and addiction services. In addition, Linda has hosted many fundraising events in support of the hospital, including three consecutive years of Moments in Medicine, a fundraising dinner that raised a total of $340,000 and expanded the hospital’s reach.

The couple’s generosity extends far beyond Guelph General. Linda and Ed have championed St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, United Way, Grove Youth Hub, Guelph Wish Fund, River Run Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the University of Guelph. Their unwavering support across the service spectrum has enriched lives and strengthened the social fabric of Guelph-Wellington.

Through their business endeavours, Linda and Ed have contributed significantly to regional economic growth, proving that business success and social responsibility go hand in hand. As Executive Chair of the Board of Linamar Corporation and in her previous role as CEO, Linda has grown and diversified the business internationally, surpassing $10 billion in annual sales. As the largest employer locally, Linamar contributes to the local economy while also giving back through numerous sponsorships and charitable donations. Among her numerous awards and recognition for her achievements in business as well as her commitment to community, Linda was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2018 and was a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to Canada.

Linda speaking at Together, We Care event
Linda Hasenfratz, Together, We Care Campaign Co-chair giving remarks at campaign launch event

As President and CEO of the Newton Group, a local design-build construction company, Ed also contributes to economic development and sustainability. Ed is a highly successful entrepreneur having founded and built the Newton Group to build innovative structures valued in the hundreds of millions. His innovative technology for both parking structures and low-cost multi residential housing solutions are not only more environmentally sustainable but also more affordable, solving important community issues.

Together, Linda and Ed’s ability to inspire others to give has strengthened both GGH and the entire community.

Reflecting on this honour, Linda Hasenfratz shared: “Ed and I are deeply honoured to receive this recognition. We have always believed that a community works, lives, succeeds, and thrives together. There is nothing more important than all of us doing what we can to make our communities better. Supporting GGH was an easy decision because high-quality healthcare is something every person needs and that can only be achieved with a combination of public and private support.”

Linda and Ed set a powerful example for others to follow. Their impact will continue shaping healthcare and philanthropy in Guelph-Wellington for generations to come. Congratulations, Linda and Ed, on this well-deserved honour.

Read the full press release here.

Past recipients of the Inspirational Philanthropist Award include John and Barb Wood
(2023) and Bob Ireland (2024).