Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) is thrilled to announce that the Cardiac Fund has surpassed its $146,000 goal, raising $150,000 to date. This achievement, made possible by the incredible generosity of our Englehart and Kirkland Lake community members (near and far), will cover the costs based on updated supplier quotes.

Contributions from donors like Sharon Eady, The Temiskaming Foundation, the Hospital Auxiliary, Dr. Nathan Ek and Elizabeth Benitez-Ek, and McDonald’s Kirkland Lake significantly contributed to this successful fundraiser. 

Sharon Eady, a former Kirkland Lake resident and retired healthcare professional, made a significant donation of $35,000 after being inspired by the dedication of the staff at the Kirkland Lake site’s emergency department. "I know that every penny counts in our hospitals and hope this helps," Eady shared. A portion of her generosity completed the final stretch of our fundraising goal.

The Temiskaming Foundation contributed $36,930, and the Hospital Auxiliary—a group of dedicated volunteers who raise funds through the Kirkland Lake gift shop—donated $25,000. Dr. Nathan Ek and his wife Elizabeth Benitez-Ek generously gave $10,000, while Darrell Doucet, owner of McDonald’s Kirkland Lake, donated $10,930 from an ongoing campaign that sets aside 10% of sales from the last Wednesday of every month.

The funds raised will be used to purchase critical cardiac care equipment, including new ECG machines, defibrillators, and cardiac monitors for both the Englehart and Kirkland Lake sites. This state-of-the-art equipment is essential for providing timely and effective cardiac care to patients in our community, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment close to home.

 “This new equipment will significantly enhance our ability to monitor and treat patients with heart conditions and emergencies, ultimately saving lives,” said Jorge VanSlyke, BRH President and Chief Executive Officer.

John Sullivan, the Foundation’s Board Chair, also expressed his gratitude: “We are deeply thankful for everyone who contributed. The generosity of our community has been overwhelming, and this equipment will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Blanche River Health Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all donors who made this achievement possible. Your contributions directly benefit patients in Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding areas, ensuring access to the essential cardiac care they need. Together, we’ve made a lasting difference in our community’s health.

Blanche River Health has gained:

1. One automatic compression machine, used to provide patients with automatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when their heart has stopped beating. This will help assist staff when manual CPR is required for longer periods.
   
   

2. Replacement of seven cardiac monitors used at both sites by clinicians to closely monitor critical changes in heart activity.
   
   
3. Two automatic emergency defibrillators (AEDs) for non-urgent transfer vehicles, providing life-saving support by quickly restarting a patient’s heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest while in transit.
   
   

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 blancheriverhealth.ca.

Visit blancheriverhealth.ca to learn more or to donate.