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New 50/50 lottery to support local hospital

On June 5, 2023 the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation officially launched its first-ever monthly lottery, called the GBGH 50/50, to support the hospital’s most urgent priorities.

This year, GBGH has identified more than $2.4-million in capital equipment investments, upgrades and replacements that are required, plus $4-million for the MRI, all of which will be funded through the GBGH Foundation.

“Our hospital is aging, and the team has been doing an amazing job to provide excellent care despite aging equipment and technology,” shares Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “When we fund new equipment, we see the difference it makes for the team and the patients. This year’s investment will impact almost every department of the hospital, and includes items like exam lights, stretchers, ultrasound & x-ray machines, surgical tables, and the MRI.”

The GBGH 50/50 will provide a sustainable income stream to invest in these important capital projects, while giving individuals in the community a chance to win.

“The lottery tagline is Win Big. Save Lives and it’s a great way for our community to come together,” says Kraftscik. “We have been receiving requests for this for many months now, from community members who want to support their local hospital, and have the chance to win a cash jackpot.”

The first grand prize draw will take place on June 29, with early bird draws of $500 and $1,000 on June 15 and 21 respectively. Tickets can be purchased at www.GBGH5050.ca.

Town of Penetanguishene Renews Investment in Local Healthcare

From left – Councillor Bonita Desroches; Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose; Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation; Stacey Cooper, Clerk & Deputy CAO; Matthew Lawson, president & CEO, GBGH; Mayor Doug Rawson.

At the Town of Penetanguishene Council Meeting on May 10th, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) received $10,000 to support the GBGH Foundation’s Impact Fund, and $15,000 to support physician recruitment efforts for the community. These generous gifts brings the Town of Penetanguishene’s lifetime support to more than $228,000.

Municipal investment in equipment and technology for GBGH is critical to ensuring a strong hospital for our entire North Simcoe community. In 2023, some of the most urgent priorities include an MRI machine, brand new x-ray rooms, surgical & procedure tables and laboratory equipment.

“We value our partnerships with our local municipalities, and share their vision of collaboration to ensure a strong vibrant future for our region,” shares Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “The Town of Penetanguishene has been a loyal partner of GBGH for many years, and this gift is going to help strengthen our hospital to care for the entire community. We are so grateful for their ongoing support.”

The donation to Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment will fund efforts to ensure everyone in the community has a family doctor, now and in the future. Our community & hospital will require more than 20 new family physicians & specialists over the next five years to fill the gaps of retiring physicians and community expansion, making recruitment and retention a top priority.

“In the current health human resource environment, we face continued recruitment challenges for both community and hospital-based physicians,” says Dr. Jeff Golisky, chair, Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment. “This gift from the Town of Penetanguishene will help support community visits, locum accommodations, relocation expenses and marketing efforts to ensure that we are a top choice for physicians looking to establish a practice.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Foundation’s Impact Fund, and making a difference at GBGH with a gift, can visit https://gbghf.ca/current-needs/impact-fund/. For more information about physician recruitment efforts in North Simcoe, visit https://georgianbayphysicianrecruitment.com/

From left – CAO Jeff Lees; Councillor George Vadeboncoeur; Councillor Doug Leroux; Dr. Jeff Golisky, chair, Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment; Brittany Cooke, physician recruitment and credentialing specialist, GBGH; Mayor Doug Rawson.