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An update from CEO, Nicole Kraftscik

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to share a personal update with you.

After much thought, I will be stepping away from my role as CEO of the GBGH Foundation for an indefinite period to focus on my health. As you know I have stage 4 breast cancer, and my priority now is to continue treatment and dedicate my energy to that journey.

It has been an incredible honour to serve this community. Every day, I have been inspired by the generosity, compassion, and shared commitment to ensuring excellent care close to home. Whether through donations, advocacy, volunteering, or simply believing in the importance of local healthcare, you have made a meaningful difference.

Because of this community, we have been able to support important advancements at GBGH, including:

• Opening the MRI and establishing a mammography program
• Millions in investment of Capital Equipment across the hospital
• Launching the We See You – Inside & Out campaign to support the expansion of mental heath program and further equipment and renovation needs at the hospital

These achievements belong to all of you.

I want to reassure you that the Foundation’s work will continue without interruption. Our dedicated team remains focused on advancing our strategic priorities, supported by a strong Board of Directors and in close partnership with Matt Lawson, GBGH, President & CEO and the hospital leadership team. There is a clear path forward, and the mission remains as strong as ever.

On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support I have experienced in this role. It has been a joy to be part of this community.

Thank you for everything you do to support healthcare in North Simcoe.

With warm regards,

Nicole Kraftscik
CEO, GBGH Foundation

Elmvale Lions Club’s Service-Driven Commitment Brings Lasting Impact to GBGH

The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation is proud to recognize the Elmvale and District Lions Club for their generous $50,000 pledge in support of the We See You: Inside and Out capital campaign, a bold $20-million initiative to strengthen health care across North Simcoe.

 

The Club’s commitment will be fulfilled over three years and directed toward the purchase of new medication carts, an essential investment that supports nursing efficiency, patient safety, and therapeutic connection at the bedside. Designed to improve workflow and organization, the new carts help nurses deliver care more effectively while contributing to a more comfortable and positive patient experience.

Lions Club members were inspired by the need to replace medication carts at the hospital, an example of the essential tools funded through the campaign.

“The minute we heard about the need for new med carts, we were hooked,” says Murry Truax, member of the Elmvale and District Lions Club. “They help nurses do their jobs more effectively while making a patient’s stay more pleasant and recovery quicker. Supporting the We See You campaign means our donation can have a broader impact on nursing and patient care, and when we support GBGH, we’re supporting our neighbours, friends, and ourselves.”

Guided by the Lions’ motto, We Serve, the Elmvale Lions Club sees a strong alignment with GBGH as the hospital cares for the community, serving every patient with empathy and excellent, patient-focused care. Their pledge will be supported through ongoing fundraising efforts, including the Elmvale Lions Club Annual Golf Tournament, hosted at Orr Lake Golf Club on July 4.

“The Elmvale Lions Club truly embodies the spirit of service and community,” says Victoria Evans, Senior Key Relationships Officer, GBGH Foundation. “Their generosity reflects a deep understanding of what our hospital needs most — flexible support that allows us to respond to our highest priorities, from essential equipment like med carts to other critical investments across the organization. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership and partnership in the We See You campaign.”

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: WeSeeYouGBGH.ca. 

 

Photo (from left):
Lions Jim Elliott & Ray Neuhaus; Robyn Blanchet, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation; Lions Tim Crowe, Eileen Cooke, Mark Columbus and Murry Truax; Maggie Duivenvoorden, professional practice leader, GBGH; and Victoria Evans, senior key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation.