Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) and Blanche River Health (BRH) proudly celebrated the legacy of Olga Jackson with a plaque unveiling on the fourth floor of the Kirkland Lake hospital site. The plaque commemorates Olga’s extraordinary life and her transformative $962,500 donation, which funded two non-urgent patient transfer vehicles and other essential hospital needs.

Olga Jackson, a former Kirkland Lake resident who passed away at 94, led a life defined by resilience and independence. Despite numerous personal hardships, she remained steadfast in her kindness and commitment to others. Olga’s planned gift to BRHF reflects her lifelong values of generosity and community support.

At the ceremony, Erin Booth, a family friend, shared touching memories: “Olga lived a simple yet extraordinary life. Her strength and determination were unmatched, and her contribution to the hospital reflects her quiet but impactful legacy. She would be pleased with how her gift is helping others.”

Planned giving, such as Olga’s estate donation, is vital to sustaining healthcare in Kirkland Lake and Englehart. It ensures hospitals can meet current and future needs, strengthening the communities they serve.

“Olga’s generosity embodies the spirit of giving back to one’s community,” said Jorge VanSlyke, BRH President and CEO. “Her donation not only funded essential vehicles but also inspired others to consider how their own legacy could benefit healthcare.”

John Sullivan, BRHF Chair, added, “Planned giving allows individuals like Olga to create a lasting impact. Her gift will continue to improve lives for years to come.”

Erin Booth concluded with a sentiment that resonated with everyone in attendance: “Olga’s life was an example of how one person’s quiet resolve can create ripples of positive change. We are forever grateful for her.”

The plaque now stands as a reminder of Olga’s legacy, inspiring others to consider how their estate planning can support healthcare in Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding areas.

About Planned Giving

Leaving a gift in your will to the Blanche River Health Foundation ensures a lasting impact on healthcare for Kirkland Lake, Englehart, and surrounding areas. A gift as small as 5% of your estate can make a significant difference.

As a registered charity, BRHF donations do not affect your current income and can significantly reduce estate taxes. Unrestricted gifts allow hospitals to allocate funds to the most urgent needs, like new equipment or innovative initiatives.

If you prefer your gift to support a specific hospital area, simply include those details in your will, and we will honour your wishes.

Learn more about planned giving at brhfoundation.ca or speak to your estate planner.

About Blanche River Health Foundation

The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Englehart and Kirkland Lake sites. With limited government funding for these needs, the hospital relies on community donations to modernize facilities and equipment. As a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation depends on people’s generosity to support essential improvements, enhance patient care and support the hospital’s mission to make healthcare work for you.

To continue supporting BRH, please consider donating to the BRH Foundation via:

• Cheque to Blanche River Health Foundation
  145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4
• Your estate planner through planned giving
• Buying lottery tickets at splitthepot.ca
• Or online at brhfoundation.ca

Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.

Photo captions:

Photo 1: BRHF board members, BRH leadership team and BRH team members attend the Olga Jackson plaque unveiling celebration, also attended virtually by Olga's family friend, Erin Booth.

Front row: left to right: Mary Ann Mavrinac, Sherry Lheureux and Pam Gregoire.

Back row, left to right: Cindy Honeyborne, Mitch Moreau, John Sullivan, Rene Boudreault, Barbara Effenberger, Tara Thomas, Melissa Gregory, Jorge Vanslyke, Osama Arar, Cassandra James, and Susan Rankin.

Photo 2: Olga Jackson, left, holds family friend, Erin Booth, as a child.