Each February, the GBGH Foundation partners with BOUNCE 104.1 and Pure Country 106 for Kickstart Your Heart, a campaign to raise funds for Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).
The campaign was first inspired by local philanthropists Conrad & Donna Huber in 2021, whose love for each other and their community brought the idea to life. Read their story here.
“We enjoy being together and doing things together,” share the Hubers. “We have been so fortunate in life and it makes us both happy to be able to give back to our community. It is our gift to each other.”
In 2026, the Hubers are offering to match donations once again (up to a total of $25,000), with a goal to meet their match between February 1 and 8.
From February 9-15, another incredible local couple, Steve & Brenda, will match donations (up to a total of $25,00).
And, for the final week of the campaign, February 16-20, donor Doug Lamon will match gifts (up to a total of $25,000).
This is how we will work together to achieve our goal of $150,000 for our Lab. Your $20 gift becomes $40! Your $50 gift becomes $100! WOW!
Thank you Conrad & Donna, Steve & Brenda and Doug Lamon for your amazing and generous support!
WANT TO JOIN IN THE FUN?
When you see a #KickstartYourHeart balloon in one our participating businesses (see full list below), take a selfie and submit it through the Selfie Contest link for a chance to win a great prize pack from some of the participating businesses.
Special thanks to our media partners Simcoe County’s Bounce Radio and Central Ontario’s Pure Country for this great contest!
Congratulations to Sandra Nichols, our 2026 Kickstart Your Heart Selfie Contest Winner! Sandra won an amazing prize pack valued at over $450 dollars, courtesy of the local businesses participating in this year’s Kickstart Your Heart.
THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a contest entry photo, liked and shared our social media posts, and supported participating businesses in our community.
And a special thank you to our media partners: Simcoe County’s Bounce Radio and Central Ontario’s Pure Country!
About this year's campaign
This year’s Kickstart Your Heart Campaign will run from February 1st to February 20th, with a goal of raising $150,000 for the Laboratory at GBGH.
Each week, we will share a video that highlights one of the unique ways that our Lab keeps hearts beating at GBGH by supporting excellent patient care.
Week 1 – Transfusion Medicine
With your help, we can equip our Lab with the tools and technology to continue to fuel lifesaving answers.
Week 2 – Chemistry & Cardiac Testing
Chest pain results in more than 500,000 ED visits in Canada every year.
When patients arrive at GBGH with chest pain, concerning symptoms, or complex health needs, answers can’t wait.
Blood tests play an important role in helping physicians understand what’s happening.
At GBGH, Medical Laboratory Assistants also play an important role in performing Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests for patients experiencing cardiac symptoms.
Week 3 – Get to Know the GBGH Lab
Coming to the hospital with chest pain?
Concerned about an infection?
Wondering what happens with that sample when it leaves your body?
These are moments when answers matter most.
Take a tour of the GBGH Lab and learn all about why it’s the heartbeat of the hospital.
You can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT by making a donation today! Help us raise $150,000 during #KickstartYourHeart so that we can continue to keep hearts beating in North Simcoe.
Businesses Supporting Kickstart Your Heart
Boulangers Midland City Bakers
For all of February, 25% from all heart-shaped cookie sales (walk in or pre-order)!
Fresh Baked Consulting
For all of February, portion of proceeds from 12-pack gingerbread men cookies and 6-inch strawberry layer cakes donated (pre-order required). Also hosting dessert cafe pop-ups on Feb 14, 21 & 28 with proceeds going to Kickstart!
Boathouse Eatery
On February 14, 15 & 16, $5 from every entrée ordered will be donated!
Test Batches Brewery
For all of February, a portion of proceeds from all soup & soup recipe book sales!
Arbour's Flower Shoppe
February 2-11, 100% of proceeds from every fresh bunch of tulips (only $25) – cash and carry only.
History Barbershop
February 1-20, $5 from every double service (Haircut + Hot Towel Beard Trim or Shave).
The Pulse Nutrition
For all of February, a portion of proceeds from the sale of each Kickstarter Beverage!
Medical Aesthetics by Vee
February 1-20, a portion of every Botox appointment will be donated!
Bayshore Lanes
February 1-20, 10% of all open bowling sales donated!
Olive Oil Co.
February 1-20, 5% of all 'Little Dipper' Gift Set sales donated! Choose from Classic Tuscan Vineyard, Aglio e Olio Garlic Grater, or Love-Infused Heart. *Midland location only.
Cafe Kittyhawk
February 1-20, 15% from every take-out order donated!
Sweet Treats Factory
20% of all Valentine's Day Box pre-orders. Box includes: Heart shaped smarties cookie, classic brownie with pink frosting, Strawberry donut dipped in chocolate, and Red Velvet cinnamon roll. $30 no tax. While supplies last!
Sundara Spa
February 1-20, proceeds from raffle ticket sales. Raffle prize is a wooden treasure chest of goodies, valued at more than $400!
Infinity Golf Lab
February 1-20, $5 from every round of simulator golf booked donated!
Shana's Baked Goods
For all of February, 10% of sales of 6" and 8" Brownie Hearts or Chocolate Chip cookie hearts and 10% Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Feast Catering
On February 20, 10% of sales from Feast Catering's Burger Pop-Up donated! Featuring 6 specialty burger creations to choose from.
MegaMindful Living
February 1-20, a portion of proceeds from all Love Lattes and Beet-utiful Smoothies donated!
Harvey's / Swiss Chalet
On February 14, 10% of sales from all menu items donated! *Midland location only.
