Inspirational Philanthropist Award
The Inspirational Philanthropist Award was established by The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital in 2022 to recognize the outstanding community members who have furthered its mission, vision and values.
This special honour celebrates an individual, family or organization who has demonstrated an abiding commitment to Guelph General Hospital as well as the wider community through their exceptional contributions through business, volunteerism and/or philanthropy.
John and Barb Wood, Inaugural Recipients
Inaugural recipients of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s Inspirational Philanthropist Award, John and Barbara Wood, demonstrated outstanding contributions through business, philanthropy and volunteerism in support of Guelph General as well as the wider Guelph community.
Robert Ireland, 2024 Recipient
Robert Ireland was born at Guelph General Hospital into a family of four siblings led by an engineer dad and a stay-at-home mom. When urged by his mother to acquire a trade at the end of his years at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, he chose to align with his father’s interests, embarking on an apprenticeship in tool and die-making.
Linda Hasenfratz and Ed Newton, 2025 Recipients
A significant list of contributions to Guelph General were described during the presentation, including Linda’s leadership and volunteerism as Co-chair of the Together, We Care campaign which raised over $37.5 million and has since transformed the hospital’s special care nursery and installed a new MRI machine. The planned Emergency Department expansion including mental health and addiction services will also be supported by this campaign funding.
