Foundations combine efforts to increase value to Donors and impact on healthcare.

February 19, 2008

Northwestern Ontario’s leading fundraising organizations will become one. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF) and the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF) confirmed today that they will integrate. The decision, made recently by the Board of Directors of each Foundation, was reached following extensive research and community input.

“Integration is the right decision,” says Brian McKinnon, Chair of the NCRF Board of Directors. “The Boards’ resolution was driven by the overwhelmingly consistent and clear message that the community, including our Donors, strongly approves of the two Foundations working together to provide additional value to our supporters and a greater impact on healthcare for the people of Northwestern Ontario.”

An integration agreement has been signed by the Boards of Directors and it is anticipated that the two Foundations will begin to operate as a single organization on April 1, 2008. An application to integrate is currently under review by provincial and federal government agencies.

Ken Bittle will be Chair of the integrated organization’s Board of Directors and confirms that the goal of the new Foundation is to unite the missions of the TBRHSF and NCRF. “The integrated Foundation will represent more effectively the needs of patients and their families,” says Bittle. “Our efforts will encompass all areas of healthcare delivery as well as medical research and disease prevention in an effort to provide excellence in healthcare to the people of Northwestern Ontario.”

Bittle is part of a new, single Board of Directors that will govern the integrated Foundation. The Board will consist of:

and ex-officio members Ron Saddington, Dr. K.M. Masood, Mae Friday

The following individuals will continue to serve the integrated Foundation as members of the Chair’s Advisory Committee:

Glenn Craig, President & CEO, NCRF, will lead the administrative activities of the new Foundation as President & CEO. A proven leader and fundraising professional in the healthcare field, Craig has an established history with both Foundations. TBRHSF President & CEO Georgie Hari’s retirement, originally scheduled to begin in June of 2007 will commence at the beginning of April 2008. Until then, Hari will remain with the integrated organization to assist with a seamless transition. The organization will operate with the full complement of existing employees, allowing for staff specialization and maximizing resources.

Further details and logistics will be decided upon in the coming weeks. Until the application to integrate is approved, the Foundations will continue to operate as usual. “Relationships with our donors will remain unchanged and individuals are able to continue their support without any changes to their practices,” assures Craig.

Following integration, donors will still have the ability to decide which area or areas their donations support. “Donors will always have the option to designate their contributions to any area of their choosing, with 100% of the funds remaining in our region,” says Craig. Designations of donations made to both Foundations in the past will remain unaffected by the integration. “Past donations received in support of cardiac care, trauma, breast cancer or any other specific area of care will always support those areas through a single Foundation” Craig confirms.

The integration mirrors the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care by healthcare professionals. “Patients rarely represent a single area of care,” explains Dr. Gabriel Mapeso, General Surgeon at the Health Sciences Centre. “A patient with colorectal cancer will often require care in other disciplines such as surgery, emergency or cardiac. Advances in these areas, as well as medical research, technology and equipment positively impact all patients and require funding.” The Foundation will continue to fund such advances.

Bob Stewart, Partner/Manager of The Keg and Caribou Restaurants in Thunder Bay, is a long-time supporter of patient care through TBRHSF and NCRF. As a business owner, patient and donor, Stewart applauds the integration of the two Foundations. “I recognize the organizational benefits to be gained by combining efforts, but also the added strength of the team working to provide for our community’s healthcare needs and the added value to all donors,” he says. “I will continue my support through the new Foundation because I know it makes a difference in the lives of others through advanced healthcare in our region.”

Ron Saddington, President & CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, applauds the Foundations’ Boards for their vision. “Both Foundations have always been resolutely committed to advancing healthcare for all residents of Northwestern Ontario,” he says. “As a single organization, their ability to pursue this goal is significantly enhanced.”

TBRHSC Integrated Foundation Staff

TBRHS Foundation at a Glance

NCRF Backgrounder

Glenn Craig Bio

Ken Bittle Bio

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