10 | Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2025 AIM-May25097 Best Regional Healthcare Support Initiative 2025 – Manitoba hen John E. Harrison, Edward Shultz, Kenneth Bicknell, and Myron Magee devised the BRHC Foundation more than four decades ago, they could have only hoped it would have the tremendous impact that it has across both the Brandon Regional Health Centre itself as well as the wider community. From the date the Foundation officially received its Royal Assent, July 9th of 1980, it has worked tirelessly to receive donations, hold funds in perpetuity, and distribute these investments in the form of grants. Just some of the campaigns spearheaded as a result of both the Foundation’s foresight and the generosity of communities across Manitoba and beyond include “A Bed for you…Bed for me”, a campaign that saw 242 hospital beds purchased for the BHRC’s inpatient areas; “Westman Cares”, , the “Room for Renewal” campaign that raised funds to help create, renovate, and rejuvenate inpatient care areas, and the “Sense of Home” campaign to raise funds for the construction of the Murray House, a much-needed residence for patients and their families to stay while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre. One of the most recent campaigns designed by the BRHC Foundation is “A Foundation for Care”, which has been developed to support the expansion of the BRHC currently underway. It is aiming to raise $4M, funds which will go towards the new critical-care building, purchasing necessary medical equipment, and adding more floor space to support future expansions. Thanks to this support, it is estimated that patients will first be arriving at these new areas sometime during 2026. Behind all of these successful campaigns is a series of signature events, many of which are held on an annual basis by the BRHC Foundation. Favourite amongst them are the Gala Dinner and Dance, the Spring and Tree of Lights newsletter campaigns, and its Pancake Breakfast. Outside of these flagships, other events operated over the years include the likes of fashion and craft shows, formal lunches, and even a Vegas-themed night. Alongside these, the BRHC Foundation is excited to have recently delivered its first Thrive Conference, a half-day event dedicated to both supporting and inspiring public and private healthcare workers in the region. In a landscape that has become increasingly complex, this event was a great way for health professionals – from chiropractors and mental health support workers to hospital staff – to connect. Over the course of this enriching afternoon (which was held on May 8th), visitors were afforded talks from keynote speakers detailing how to overcome common obstacles faced in healthcare, how to rediscover their professional passion, and even ways to foster a positive and resilient culture within their teams. Resource booths only added to these insights, and the array of networking opportunities present all afternoon made it easier than ever for like-minded professionals to build a mutually supportive community. Moreover, all proceeds from the Thrive Conference went directly to the aforementioned “A Foundation for Care” campaign, supporting the development of the BRHC’s critical-care building and the provision of essential equipment and infrastructure. Thrive Conference was so successful this year that the BRHC Foundation has started working on the 2026 iteration of the event, which is sure to be equally spectacular. Ultimately, the difference that the Foundation has made over the past 45 years is immeasurable, with almost $1.5M in equipment and programme support being delivered to the Brandon Regional Health Centre in the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone. All of this has only been made possible with the generous support of donors, which is essential in helping this non-profit to continue achieving its ambitious aims. This is something Stacy Senkbeil, the chairperson of the board at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, touched on in her message: “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us fund essential medical equipment, and expand critical programs that save lives and promote wellness in our community. Together, we can ensure that our hospital remains a beacon of hope and healing for everyone who relies on us.” Contact: Jessica Saler Company: BRHC Foundation Web Address: https://www.brhcfoundation.ca/ The Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Foundation was established in 1980, set up by a group of forward-looking members of the namesake hospital’s board. It was the aim of these individuals to establish a registered charity that could procure funds, funds which could then be used benefit the thousands of people served every year by the hospital. Over the last 45 years, the Foundation has evolved considerably, with its most recent mission being to raise and steward funds to enhance care and community impact at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, through our partnerships within the community. W
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