On May 16, 2024, four local home building business owners came together to host a unique event in support of the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation. The inaugural Trades for Healthcare Tools Mixer took place at Boston Pizza in Midland, with 100 guests coming together to raise $2,407.49 toward a new MRI machine for the hospital.
Trades for Healthcare Tools is a committee formed by Elliott Sheaves of Alair Homes Georgian Bay, Chris Bondar of Gilkon Construction, Aaron Kontkanen of Balm Beach Windows & Doors, and Ryan Bazinet of Perkinsfield Kitchen & Bath. Their individual passion for uniting their industry to make a difference is what brought them together in support of their local hospital.
“We believe strongly that having a great hospital is essential for our whole community,” said Sheaves. “We are excited about bringing our industry partners together to have an impact on the care GBGH provides to our families, neighbours, clients and friends.”
The partnership between the four individuals offers a beautiful picture of collaboration and inspiring other to work together to make a difference for the community.
“We are so appreciative of our partners in the industry who joined us to make this event a success,” shares Bondar. “RONA in Midland, Lafontaine Iron Werks and Perkinsfield Kitchen & Bath all donated great prizes to generate some excitement, and help raise funds.”
Each year, partnership events play an important role in raising funds for GBGH, and in 2023-2024, provided more than $250,000 in funding through the GBGH Foundation.
“Partnership events like this are so important because they bring our community together, and provide valuable funding for equipment and technology at GBGH,” says Robyn Blanchet, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “We are so thankful for Elliott, Chris, Aaron and Ryan for all their hard work in putting this event together.”
Anyone interested in learning more about hosting an event for GBGH, or getting involved in supporting the hospital should visit https://gbghf.ca/partnership-events/ or contact Robyn Blanchet (blanchetr@gbgh.on.ca).