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Foundation News

New surgical tools at GBGH thanks to fundraising initiative

The surgical team at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is celebrating the arrival of new laparoscopic scopes and instruments, thanks to the generosity of the community during Kickstart Your Heart. The two-week campaign, which took place in February 2025, raised $89,511 for the surgical program at the Midland hospital.  

This year’s campaign was generously supported by two incredible match gifts of $25,000 each, which tripled the impact of every donation given between January 31 and February 15.  Conrad & Donna Huber have been matching donations to Kickstart Your Heart since it started in 2021, and were joined this year by another local couple, Steve & Brenda. Collectively, the two couples contributed $50,000 to the initiative.  

“We were thrilled to have Steve & Brenda join Conrad & Donna to triple the impact of donations this year,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “They inspired more than 80 individuals to make a gift this year, which is a 24% increase in participation over the previous year.” 

The investment in surgical tools and instrumentation is part of the hospital’s plan to bring care closer to home, allowing for increased volume and more diverse offering of surgical services.  

“The addition of new operating tools this year is allowing our surgical teams to provide excellent patient care that is in keeping with current standards, in a setting where medicine and technology is constantly evolving and improving,” says Dr. Bonnie Shum, chief of surgery, GBGH. “Increasing our inventory of laparoscopic instruments and scopes means more surgeries can happen in a day.” 

The campaign had support on-air and online from media partners Pure Country 106 and BOUNCE 104.1.  The stations ran a Balloon Selfie Contest to help encourage the community to visit the fifteen local business partners who pledged a portion of sales to the Kickstart Your Heart campaign.  

“Our business partners were so supportive once again this year, and we are so grateful that our friends at Pure Country 106 and BOUNCE 104.1 helped us spread the message of Kickstart across our community,” says Robyn Blanchet, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “Collectively, fifteen businesses raised more than $6,000 for Kickstart Your Heart, with promotions that focused on fun, community and a little bit of indulgence.” 

Jennifer Harris

Jennifer Harris

Jenn joined the GBGH Foundation team in December 2022.

She spent 20 years working as the office manager for a cardiologist in Barrie, and then made the major change to the RVH Foundation for five years, first as the Development Coordinator, and then transitioning to the Donor Database Lead. With a love of data, Jenn is committed to efficient processing of donations and ensuring that donor data is managed with accuracy and integrity.

Jenn is a graduate of Georgian College in Barrie and has her Blackbaud Certification in Raisers Edge NXT. Born, raised and still living in Barrie, Jenn and her husband Aaron are learning how to be empty-nesters as their two sons Jordan and Matthew are both working towards their careers in Accounting.

John Bai

John Bai, CPA, CFA, ICD.D – Director

John is an accomplished financial services executive and experienced board member with deep knowledge of complex financial issues, executing transformational initiatives, navigating board and audit committees and accountability for performance of a significant business with responsibility for delivering strategic and operational excellence.

John is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer of Aviso Wealth Inc.  Previously, John held progressive leadership roles at RBC, most recently including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Transformation Officer at City National Bank in the United States.  John served on several non-profit boards and currently serves as the Treasurer of a California-based non-profit organization, EnCorps, which promotes STEM education in lower-income areas.

John believes that making a difference in his community is very important, and volunteering and serving on not-for-profits focused on education is central to his belief that education enables people to achieve their full potential.

John has been a seasonal resident of Penetanguishene for more than a decade. 

David Wattling

Dave Wattling, GBGH Board Appointee

Dave Wattling is a long-time entrepreneur. He has built several consulting and technology businesses over the past 30 years, all focused on supporting healthcare, whether in Canada, the UK or the US. In 2011 he joined TELUS when his firm was acquired. After seven years he retired from corporate life and returned to his consulting roots helping owners to plan, structure, grow—organically and inorganically—and, if they wish, sell their businesses.

Dave is passionate about governance and presently sits on the Newmarket-Tay Power board as well as two private sector for-profit boards. He is equally passionate about volunteering in service to his local community. To that end, he chaired the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation board and sat on the Health Centre board from 2017 to 2021.

Dave was elected to the Georgian Bay General Hospital board in June of 2022, and cross-appointed to the GBGH Foundation board at that time.

Dave holds the ICD Certified Director and Certified Management Consultant (gold medalist) designations. In 2012, he was honoured to receive both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which recognizes significant contributions and achievements by Canadians, and ITAC Health’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, he was awarded the 150th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal for volunteer service to his community. In 2021 he received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for his work with Southlake.

Dave is in transition to his retirement home in Port McNicoll, a process he expects to take a couple of years. He is an avid traveler and motorcyclist, and soon-to-be boater!

Jen Johnson

Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Director

Jennifer Johnson earned her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Queen’s University and then went on to obtain her medical degree from McMaster University. Her post-graduate studies in Family Medicine were completed at the University of Calgary where she obtained her Certification in Family Practice (CCFP).  In addition to caring for her family practice, Jennifer has assisted in the operating room (when on call) and treated inpatients at the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) in Midland for the past 27 years. She also worked regular ER shifts at GBGH up until 2018.  

Jennifer’s interest in primary care clinical research led her to enroll in the Master of Clinical Science program in family medicine as a part-time student at Western University in 2015. She completed this Master’s degree in 2020. Her ongoing research is inspired not only by the challenges patients face in obtaining healthcare, but also by the challenges healthcare providers face in delivering it. She is interested in all healthcare systems including hospitals and is motivated to help understand, support, and improve these important services. 

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys kayaking, cycling, skiing, and time with her husband, three children, and two dogs.   

Glenn Keenan

Glenn Keenan, Director

Glenn Keenan is a longtime resident of Toronto and a lifetime cottager in Tiny Township. He is the father of two teenage sons, both born at Georgian Bay General Hospital.

Glenn is a Professional Engineer and holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. He also has an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from Schulich Business School, York University. 

He is currently the Vice President of Marketing for Toromont Cat, a division of Toromont Industries (Concord), where he has had a 35-year career.  Glenn has strong financial acumen including managing a P&L, Balance Sheet, and Capital Budgets. He is skilled in strategic planning, business & people development, supplier & partner development, and management, and has change management training and experience. 

Glenn is an active member of several dealer councils, including currently Global Marketing and Sales Excellence Council.  He was active in the United Way of York Region, United Way of Peel Region, and is currently a voting member of the United Way of Toronto/York/Peel region. 

Part of a true Georgian Bay family, Glenn enjoys boating, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and skiing, among other sports.

Man with short dark hair wearing a white shirt and a blue suit jacket

Jeff Holloway, Director

Jeff works at RBC Dominion Securities in Midland and joined RBC Wealth Management in 2014. In his current role, Jeff provides wealth management solutions to business owners, executives, professionals, and retirees.

Prior to working at RBC, Jeff was a partner at a leadership consulting firm and was a vice president at a Fortune 500 consulting company. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) while working for a multinational audit, tax, and consulting firm, he was the Controller at the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

Jeff was born in Kitchener-Waterloo and spent most of his childhood living in Owen Sound.  He moved to the Midland area full-time in 2019. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honors degree in Mathematics (Computer Science). Jeff also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

Jeff is very supportive of many worthwhile causes in our local community. Currently, he is the Treasurer for the Quest Art School and Gallery in Midland.

woman with long blond streaked air wearing a black high neck sweater

Jenna Dafoe, Vice-Chair

Jenna grew up in a small town in Southwestern Ontario and then moved around throughout the province while pursuing her education.  Jenna has lived in North Simcoe for 6 years and intends to remain in this community for many, many years.  Jenna has an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, studied at the Master’s level in Political Science, and obtained two Juris Doctor Degrees in Canada and the United States.

Jenna has been involved in many volunteer capacities throughout her life and many fundraising initiatives to benefit community organizations and incredibly important causes.  Jenna has been practicing criminal law in the Province of Ontario since 2015 and will be returning to her home office in Simcoe County in 2022.

Jenna has a passion for access to justice and access to healthcare, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our community.  Jenna has followed the work of the Foundation for some time and has been very impressed with the community activism and the funds raised to purchase critical hospital equipment that enables community members to obtain the same quality of care as they would in a larger city.  Jenna is eager to assist in the overarching goals of the Foundation and to hopefully contribute to the positive impact the Foundation has in our community.

Joe Rooney, Chair

Joe Rooney joined Langdon Equity Partners in 2024. He has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry including ten years at Burgundy Asset Management where he was part of the management team and responsible for leading the Canadian Private Client Group and the U.S Institutional Client Group.

Joe graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Economics) in 2002 and received his Master of Finance from the Rotman School of Management in 2010. He was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2005. Additionally, Joe completed the Investment Management Workshop at Harvard Business School, the Artificial Intelligence:  Implications for Business Strategy Executive Program at MIT Sloan School of Management, and the Value Investing Course at the Columbia Business School.

In addition, Joe has over 15 years of experience helping non-profits manage their investment portfolios. He is the former chair and current member of the Investment Oversight Committee for Wilfrid Laurier University which oversees investment decisions on behalf of the school’s Pension Plan and Endowment.

Joe is a member of the Board of Governors of Wilfrid Laurier University and a member of the President’s Council for the St. Michael’s Foundation. He is also a member of the CFA Institute and the Toronto CFA Society.

A man with greying black hair in a grey zip up sweater

John Walker , Director

John grew up in the Midland area, attending Port McNicoll Public School and Midland Secondary School before pursuing his post-secondary education.  John obtained his law degree in 2006 and joined the law firm of Hacker Gignac Rice in 2007. John focuses his legal practice in the areas of corporate/commercial law and commercial real estate and is the current managing partner of HGR Graham Partners LLP.

John is a past President of the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Simcoe / Muskoka. He enjoys coaching his son’s minor hockey league team and is an avid boater, golfer, and weekend warrior hockey player.

Older lady with medium length reddish brown hair wearing a white and blue top with a blue sweater

Mary Harvey, Director

Mary Harvey currently resides in Cedar Point, Ontario within her home community of Beausoleil First Nation.   Mary was born in Midland and lived on Christian Island for a time before relocating to Ravenna, Ontario where she eventually met her husband and started a family.   In 1988, Mary returned home to chimnissing with her husband and three children where throughout the years she pursued her entrepreneurial endeavors in hospitality and restaurant management, catering, and retail.   In 2016 Mary was nominated for female entrepreneur of the year with the Meridian Woman of Excellence Awards.

Mary is a proud member of Beausoleil First Nation and strives to represent her community well. In doing so she is currently a member of the board for Anishinabek Police service for chimnissing.   She is also an active volunteer for Crimestoppers of Simcoe Muskoka.

In her spare time, Mary enjoys baking and is known for her fantastic meat pies.  She can often be found spending time with her family and enjoying the company of her grandchildren.

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Robyn Blanchet

Robyn joined the GBGH Foundation team in April 2024.

Robyn joined the GBGH Foundation after spending the last six years with the RVH Foundation. In a variety of roles Robyn gained valuable experience and had proven success in project management, major gift solicitation, stewardship, and creating best donor experiences.

Robyn began her career with Central Ontario Broadcasting (Rock 95 and Kool FM) in the Promotions department, where she worked with many local charities and developed a passion for community fundraising.

Robyn is an active volunteer with the School Council at Minesing Central P.S. participating in a variety of volunteer roles including Chair/Co-Chair (2020-present).  Robyn also serves on the Barrie Toy Committee.

Born in King City, Robyn now lives in Minesing (Springwater) with her husband and two boys.  In her free time, you will often find Robyn cheering proudly from the sidelines at her sons hockey and sporting games.

Danny Davis

Danny Davies, Director

Danny Davies has enjoyed a career which allowed him to operate in three countries, across a range of industries, in Consulting, HR and Executive roles. His most recent being the Chief People Officer for AVIVA where he retired from in 2023. His passion is for people to make a difference by being themselves and he believes all leadership roles have the privilege of making this happen. He’s been fortunate to have roles which have allowed him to do the things he cares deeply about; leadership, inclusion and leading major change.

Danny is a previous World & European Bridge Champion.  He lives in Tiny with his family: Helen, Dylan and Menna (and Scout).  

Adele Newton

Adele Newton, Director

Adele has been an active community member throughout her career – as a board member of organizations including Planned Parenthood of Kitchener-Waterloo in the 1980’s and, more recently, serving on the board of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and the Waterloo Region Chapter of Women in Communications and Technology. She co-founded LAUNCH Waterloo and produced Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky’s Girls in STEAM event in 2018 – both projects to ensure that young people, and especially girls, engage in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities.

Adele has a wealth of non-profit board experience, a passion for community outreach and an extensive track record of project and event management and production.

Adele currently works as a freelance writer and is developing a cookbook that will highlight the food and women of her family’s home province of Basilicata in southern Italy.

Colin Aubrey

Colin Aubrey, Director

Colin Aubrey is a Portfolio Manager at Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management, responsible for institutional client service. Through this role, he has overseen several initiatives related to corporate social responsibility, improving workplace culture, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion.

He participates on the Board of Directors for the CC&L Foundation and oversees sponsorships and strategic partnerships for CAMH Engage (the young professional’s Board, in support of the CAMH Foundation).

Colin holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, Economics, and Finance from the University of Guelph and is a CFA charter holder.

He has a passion for contributing to and improving the community in which he lives.

Victoria Evans

Victoria Evans

Victoria joined the GBGH Foundation team in March 2022.

Prior to Victoria’s role at the Foundation, she worked as the Operations Coordinator at the Midland Cultural Centre, responsible for the operational oversight of the organization. Her passion for event and project management and community-based fundraising has shaped her journey with the Foundation, ultimately bringing her into a role that she is truly fulfilled in. Building relationships, sharing and hearing stories, and being able to connect donors to opportunities that truly make a difference in our community is what fuels her passion each day.

Victoria holds an Undergraduate Degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Management, from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also has a post-graduate certificate in Arts Administration & Cultural Management from Humber College, and a certificate in Annual Giving from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. Victoria has been an active volunteer with the North Simcoe Rotaract Club since 2018, and currently serves as the club President. Victoria strives to complete her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2025, a credential that is recognized worldwide.

Having grown up in Lafontaine, Victoria has always had a deep appreciation for nature and living on Georgian Bay. She and her husband are planting their roots in the area as they build their first home together.

Greg MacMillan

Greg MacMillan

Greg joined the GBGH Foundation team in March 2022, bringing with him 12 years of experience in the healthcare and charitable sector, with a focus on finance, financial planning, and foundation work.

Throughout his career, Greg has remained dedicated to learning and growth. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

At home, Greg finds the greatest joy in spending time with his wife, Syla, and their children, Baylie, Abby, and Jack. He’s happiest when they can be out on the water together, soaking up the simple moments. A close second is his infamous dad jokes!

Being part of the Foundation allows Greg to combine his passion for numbers with a meaningful purpose—helping to enhance the patient experience for the community.

Lisa Wanamaker

Lisa Wanamaker

Lisa joined the GBGH Foundation team in April 2021.

Lisa worked at Casino Rama Resort in Player Services and Hotel Sales & Catering for 20 years and left there to work at OSMH Foundation for 5 years before accepting her position at GBGH Foundation.  In her role as Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer, Lisa most enjoys meeting donors and planning important events to show our donors the impact of their support.

Born and raised in Orillia, Lisa still lives there with her husband Ed. They both enjoy entertaining friends and family and you will often find a group gathered around their dinner table sharing a great meal and lots of laughs.

Jen Russell

Jen Russell

Jen joined the GBGH Foundation team in March 2015.

She spent 9 years in retail marketing, before enthusiastically making the switch to the non-profit sector, and has never looked back. Jen has a passion for communications, and strives to deliver information in unique and helpful ways through a variety of channels in support of the GBGH Foundation.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph, with a major in Marketing. She also has a certificate in Annual Giving from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.  Jen is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Penetanguishene, serving a variety of roles including President (2020-2021) and a member of the board of directors since 2016.

Originally from Scarborough, Jen now lives in Lafontaine (Tiny) with her husband and two children.

Robyn Kaczanowski

Robyn Kaczanowski

Robyn joined the GBGH Foundation team in April 2021.

Starting out as the summer student, Robyn quickly became inspired by the Foundation’s meaningful work and positive impact within the community, and has remained with the Foundation since. Over the years, Robyn has held the role of Communications Assistant and presently Communication’s Officer. Through these roles, Robyn has developed a strong understanding and skill set in communications, crafting impactful messages and engaging diverse audiences, and community fundraising through involvement in giving-day campaigns, as well as signature and partnership events.

Committed to personal development and education, Robyn holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, with a minor in Criminology.

Outside of work, Robyn enjoys traveling to new destinations, and spending time with family and friends.

Nicole Kraftscik

Nicole Kraftscik

Nicole joined the GBGH Foundation in February 2019.

With over 15 years experience in the not for profit sector, she views it as an honour and a privilege to lead the incredible team of professionals who are working every day to inspire investment in Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).

She believes that excellent healthcare is at the foundation of a vibrant and thriving community. And, during her time at GBGH Foundation she has seen the power of giving and commitment translate into ensuring we can continue to advance healthcare for the residents of North Simcoe.

Nicole is passionate about deepening relationships and feels fortunate to hear the many stories of how GBGH has impacted the lives of so many. She has always known that the hospital is a special place with special people. But being part of ensuring GBGH has what it needs thanks to a special community is heartwarming.

On her “off days” you can find Nicole spending time making memories with her husband, her adult children and their partners, with family and friends or even just hanging out with her 9 pets!

Long dark haired woman in a a white dress shirt

Katie Houston, Past-Chair

Katie Houston is a sessional lecturer and PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Passionate about equity, engaging local communities, social change and advocacy work, her research interests include the use of sport as a tool for social impact and international development. Focused on connecting people and pushing them to think more deeply about their responsibility to their community, Katie comes to the board with substantial fundraising and community organizing experience having previously worked in private sector fundraising for the UN Refugee Agency and Rugby Canada.

Born at Georgian Bay General Hospital, Katie’s connection to the both the local and seasonal community runs deep. A life-long cottage resident, Katie splits her time between Toronto and Thunder Beach – though her heart remains firmly on the shores of Georgian Bay regardless of where she is. Her connection to these communities, most especially Thunder Beach and Cedar Ridge, will allow for her place on the board to bring about new connections, placing the needs of the hospital at the centre of these conversations. 

Happiest outside or on the water, Katie is most often found enjoying Georgian Bay by boat with her husband Max, daughter Blake and their corgi puppy, Bash, or exploring new hiking and biking trails through Simcoe County Forest and Awenda Provincial Park.