For several years, the Loyal Orange Lodge and Royal Black Preceptory groups have joined forces to raise funds for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s Dialysis Unit. This came about as a result of one of the members’ need for dialysis, and the group rallied around to support the cause.  In an initiative called “Dimes for Dialysis” funds are raised year round and this year, were directed towards the purchase of tympanic thermometers for the unit. At the year-end pot luck dinner and Euchre tournament, the accumulation of these funds raised was presented, by cheque to WDMH Foundation Managing Director Dawn Cooper.

October 23, 2009 – Launch of the Foundation’s “Apple of our Eye” Baby Wall

The Winchester District Memorial Hospital wants to see more children born within its walls, so the Foundation painted a large mural of a large, spreading apple tree to honour these new family additions. As a representation of the Foundation’s logo, families are encouraged to make a donation to the Foundation in exchange for a shiny red apple with baby’s picture, name and date of birth on it, to hang on the wall. On the anniversary of baby’s birth, the apple will be returned to the donor or the parents as a treasured memento of the special occasion, thus making room for the new “crop” of apples. This fundraising project supports the equipment needs of the Obstetric department as well as other areas of the hospital, and will provide a much-needed continuous revenue stream to meet those needs.

The mural was painted by local artist Jerry Wallace, and the base of the tree, the wooden pegs and apples were provided by volunteer Bob Crummy from Hallville. If there’s a new baby in your life, consider this a wonderful gift for baby, parents and the hospital all in one!

September 12, 2009 – 13^th Annual WDMH Golf Tournament

Once again held at Cedar Glen Golf Course in Williamsburg, with the assistance of owner Dennis Casselman, the tournament drew over 125 participants and rose over $13,000. All proceeds from the annual event went towards purchasing medical equipment for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Bell Canada was awarded title sponsorship of the event, while St. Lawrence Medical Clinic signed on as a Major Hole Sponsor. Other sponsors included: Bruce R. Kerr Insurance & Investments; C & M Electric; CIBC Renaissance; Cleland Jardine; G. Tackaberry & Sons; Gilmer Pharmacy Ltd.; GlaxoSmithKline; Harland Veinotte Ltd; Keller Williams; McIntosh Country Inn; Mike Dean’s Super Food Stores; Modern Niagara HVAC Services Inc.; Ottawa Business Interiors; PCL Constructors Canada Inc.; and TD Canada Trust - Chesterville Branch. A special thank you to Doug Blaine of Grafik Visuals who supplied all of the signage for the tournament. 

June 16, 2009 – Let’s Go, Girls & Guys 3^rd Annual Golf Tournament

The annual Let’s Go Girls & Guys Golf Tournament was another outstanding success, as both girls and guys enjoyed a game of golf on June 16, 2009 at Nationview Golf Course to support breast cancer awareness. Started several years ago by Linda Bowers in honour of a friend who died of breast cancer, the tournament results are directed toward breast cancer programs at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. New Foundation Board member Connie Kirkwood received the cheque for $3,465 from tournament organizer Cindy Wolfe representing the proceeds from the event.

May 30, 2009 - Fantasy Ball

The Winchester District Memorial Hospitals's annual fundraising gala was, yet again, another successful event!  Guests were entertained by Cirque Fantastic - a high-flying, dazzling circus act.  Local duo Simply Jazz provided musical pre-dinner entertainment, Joy to Share decorating services out of South Mountain transformed the venue into a fanciful fantasy world, and AJ’s Catering provided a delicious meal to round out a wonderful evening. Bell Canada was the main event sponsor of the event which also included both live and silent auctions, a treasure chest raffle (organized by Scotiabank) and a chance at winning diamond earrings (donated by Pommier Jewellers) with the purchase of a rose (donated by Durant's Flowers).

The 2009 Winchester District Memorial Hospital Fantasy Ball raised over $35,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships and guest participation in the very popular, silent and live auctions. The benefits of funds raised through the event will help purchase equipment and technology for the new hospital facility through the Close to home Campaign.

April 4, 2009 – Local Lions support Winchester District Memorial Hospital

Area Lions Clubs gathered to celebrate the opening of the new addition to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, and to take a tour of the first phase of the new state-of-the-art facility.   Working together on joint fundraising activities and alone on smaller fundraisers, they have demonstrated their importance as leaders in our communities, so many regional LEOs were  present to be acknowledged for their generous contribution to the Renewing the Vision Campaign. Over the past ten years these clubs have raised approximately $573,624 for WDMH to ensure the continuance of care close to their homes and families. CEO Trudy Reid and VP of Capital Development Phil Marleau thanked the attendees for their outstanding contributions.  “We are very proud to have these dedicated service clubs and individuals to support our community, and are very grateful for their help in making this ‘The Little Hospital That DID’! ” said Reid.

March 26, 2009 - 2^nd Annual Taste & Talent

Hosted by Winchelsea Farms, this annual event gave attendees a chance to explore ‘101 ways to enjoy local maple syrup’, this year’s theme. With the help of the Winchester Hospital Heelers, Shelley Spruit provided a unique local event, while at the same time raising funds for the Winchester Hospital! We are very grateful for their support!