Your Stories

Leaving a Legacy for GBGH

In February 2020, the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation announced the purchase of 22 acres of vacant land beside the hospital’s highway 93 location in Midland. Acquiring this land enables the hospital to grow to meet future demands for health care services.

“Both the Hospital and Foundation Boards of Directors realized their responsibility in securing this property for the future stability of GBGH,” says David Turner, Chair, GBGH Foundation Board of Directors. “By making this purchase, the Foundation is investing in the future of the hospital, ensuring there is sufficient space when there is a need to expand.”

The Foundation was able to purchase the property in part due to the generosity of the late Gil Robillard and his family.

“My dad was a visionary with great foresight,” says Susan Robillard, daughter of Gil Robillard. “He liked planning for the future, and the purchase of land to ensure future stability does just that.  We are glad the Foundation could use the Gil Robillard Fund to help ensure the future of healthcare for our community.”

The Gil Robillard Endowment Fund was established in 2007 with a bequest from Gil Robillard’s estate, and like-minded community members contributed to it in his honour.  Because Gil’s family understood the intention of his estate gift, this important investment in the future of healthcare for our community was possible.

“We call it Legacy Giving because a bequest, like The Gil Robillard Endowment Fund, can have incredible impact on the story of our organization,” says Nicole Kraftscik, Executive Director. “We are grateful to Gil Robillard’s family for their dedication to honouring his vision in such an impactful way.”

Sharing your planned gift intentions with the GBGH Foundation today ensures that your wishes are fulfilled in the future. For more information about Legacy Giving in support of your Georgian Bay General Hospital, please click here or contact Nicole Kraftscik, GBGH Foundation Executive Director (kraftscikn@gbgh.on.ca or 705-526-1300 ext. 5340).

Paying it Forward: Nancy & Bill Martin

Nancy and her husband, Bill have always enjoyed the simple lifestyle of a small town.  After living in King Township for many years, the couple decided to move North after retirement and settled on the shores of Georgian Bay in Victoria Harbour.

Like most families, the Martin family required the services of a local hospital on occasion over the years, and were always grateful for the care they received.  When they moved North, knowing that Georgian Bay General Hospital was nearby was important, especially as they would be without a family doctor for nearly two years.

“Having a caring hospital nearby to our final home was paramount,” shares Nancy. “GBGH was so supportive and reassuring. Five years ago, Bill suffered a heart attack and we are forever grateful for the superb care he received at GBGH.”

Nancy & Bill learned about the GBGH Foundation Cornerstone Partners giving group in 2017, and both felt it was time for them to give back financially to help their hospital purchase needed equipment.

“All our lives, hospitals like GBGH were there for us when we needed them,” says Nancy.  “It was time for us to pay it forward for all those young families coming along.”

In addition to their generous Cornerstone Partners commitment at the Platinum Giving Level, Nancy & Bill continue to support the GBGH Foundation through annual campaigns, like GivingTuesday Now, and have recently made a five-year pledge to help fund the most critical equipment needs.

“We appreciate understanding the direct needs of GBGH, and being part of a group who work together to benefit our hospital,” says Nancy.  “It is rewarding to see what dedicated people can achieve together, and we are proud to support our hospital in any way we can.”

To learn more about the Cornerstone Partners, please click here.  To find out how you can have a great impact on patient care at GBGH, please contact Nicole Kraftscik, Executive Director (kraftscikn@gbgh.on.ca or 705-526-1300 ext. 5340).