About the Foundation

St. Mary’s Hospital is a 41 bed acute care facility located in the town of Sechelt, on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Working closely with the seven branches of St. Mary’s Hospital/Health Care Auxiliary, the Foundation’s goal is to provide funding to enhance patient care on the Sunshine Coast by purchasing much needed specialized equipment and by supporting key clinical programs at St. Mary’s Hospital.

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation was established in 1995, taking the place of St. Mary’s Hospital Society. Along with its major partner the St. Mary’s Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary, many items have been funded through the generosity of our donors including: support for a new Obstetrics Nursing Unit, the Ambulatory Care area, funding to support Long Term Care, a Stago Coagulation Unit and a new defibrillator machine.

In 2006, the Foundation’s Board of Directors embarked on a major fundraising campaign to purchase and install a CAT scan machine at St. Mary’s Hospital. Under the direction of the Fund Development Committee of the Board, the Dr. Walter Burtnick Memorial Fundraising campaign was created, with its slogan “Back the CAT”.

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation along with its major partner the St. Mary’s Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary surpassed its goal by raising more than $2.7 Million in sixteen months. With these funds the Foundation was able to purchase a new 32 slice CAT scanner and fund the construction of a new facility to house the scanner at St. Mary’s Hospital.

On-going efforts to raise funds for St. Mary’s Hospital continue. Commencing in 2010, the Foundation, in partnership with St. Mary’s Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary established the “Gettin’ Equipt” fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $1.5 Million to assist with the purchase of new clinical and non-clinical equipment and furniture for the new hospital. Please refer to the Projects section of this website for regular updates on St. Mary’s Hospital Expansion/Renovation project.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As a not-for-profit registered charitable organization, the Foundation works hand in hand with the Hospital but is an independent organization governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The 12 member Board is comprised of representatives of St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Staff and Site Management Staff; St. Mary’s Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary; and nine elected, voluntary members of the local community.

Funds are raised through specific campaigns; donations received on an annual or ad-hoc basis; and bequests in the form of money, securities and willed assets. The Board ensures prudent stewardship of all donations received and works closely with Vancouver Coastal in support of the hospital’s capital equipment priorities.

2011/12 Board of Directors:

Operations Manager and Recording Secretary: Karen Townshend