Join the Footprints wall

The new Footprints wall will be located on the 6th floor hallway area at the Family Birthing Unit (FBU), in the same location as the current wall. This ensures it remains easy for families to visit and find their child’s name.

We expect the redesigned Footprints wall to be completed and unveiled in Fall 2025. We will share more details as the project moves forward.

The current Footprints wall, while cherished, no longer meets today’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standards. In Fall 2025, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital will unveil a newly redesigned Footprints wall, featuring a modern aesthetic and thoughtful organization to make it easier for families to find their child’s name, as well as enhanced to meet current health and safety standards.

The new wall will have a modern mural background with panels mounted on top to feature the babies’ names. Instead of physical footprints, each baby’s name and date of birth will be displayed using vinyl lettering applied to the panels, organized in chronological order by date of birth to make it easier for families to find their child’s name. The design was decided in consultation with the Family Birthing Unit (FBU) team, who know the unit best, to reflect the spirit of the hospital and make the most of the space. The updated wall also meets Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standards by using smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, helping us maintain hospital safety and hygiene requirements.

IPAC stands for Infection Prevention and Control. It is a set of standards and practices that help reduce the spread of germs and maintain a safe, healthy environment in the hospital. The new Footprints wall meets these standards by using smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, which help us maintain hospital safety and hygiene requirements.

While the original footprint plaques will not be part of the redesigned wall, all current donors will have their child’s name automatically added to the updated Footprints wall.

If you prefer not to have your child’s name displayed, please let us know by emailing Naznin Rana at [email protected] by September 15, 2025.

We also understand the sentimental value of your child’s footprint, and we will do our best to carefully remove each footprint to minimize damage. If you would like it as a keepsake, plaques will be made available, and we will notify you once they are ready. Thank you for your support and the legacy your family has created at Guelph General Hospital. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

The Foundation office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach us by phone at 519-837-6422 ext. 42095 or by emailing Naznin Rana at [email protected].

We’re so pleased to welcome new families to the Footprints program! With a $100 donation, you can celebrate your child’s birth by adding their name and date of birth to the newly redesigned wall. You will also receive a certificate and letter as a keepsake to pass on to your baby. This opportunity is also open to grandparents, godparents, and other loved ones who wish to honour a child in this special way.

You can make your donation online or by calling the Foundation at 519-837-6422.

Yes. If you’d like to update the spelling or format of your child’s name, please contact Naznin Rana at [email protected] or call 519-837-6422 ext. 42095.

Names will not be grouped by family. All names will be arranged by date of birth, so siblings may appear near each other only if their birthdays are close together.

No. There is no limit to how many names can be added to the Footprints wall. The design has been created to allow space for future additions, ensuring we can continue to celebrate new babies for years to come.

The Footprints wall will be updated twice a year. This ensures that new additions are celebrated regularly and that the wall continues to reflect the growing number of families we honour.

We’re happy to help. Please reach out to Naznin Rana at [email protected] or call 519-837-6422, ext. 42095 if you have any questions.