Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) is pleased to announce that Georgia-Pacific has generously donated $10,000 to fund much-needed ceiling lifts for the Englehart hospital. These motorized devices, mounted on an overhead track, allows staff to safely lift and transfer patients with limited mobility, improving comfort and dignity while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

“Ceiling lifts make a real difference for both patients and staff,” said Sandy Austin, BRHF Board Director. “It helps our teams provide safer care while supporting the wellbeing of everyone in our hospital community.”

Troy Richardson, Mill Manager at Georgia-Pacific, added, “We are proud to support the hospital and the communities around Englehart. This donation continues our commitment to initiatives that make a positive impact locally.”

Ceiling lifts are especially important in smaller hospitals like Englehart, where staff handle a wide range of patient needs. By easing the physical demands on caregivers, the lift enhances safety and efficiency, benefiting patients and families across the region. Georgia-Pacific’s donation marks the company’s second consecutive year supporting essential equipment, reflecting their ongoing commitment to community health.

Community members can follow Georgia-Pacific’s lead by supporting urgently needed equipment at wishlist.brhfoundation.ca. Every contribution helps ensure that quality care remains close to home.

About Georgia-Pacific

Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. With operations across North America, Georgia-Pacific operates a major facility in Englehart and has been a long-standing partner in the community. Beyond providing employment, the company actively supports local initiatives, including healthcare, education, and community development. Through ongoing contributions and volunteer efforts, Georgia-Pacific demonstrates its commitment to enhancing quality of life and sustaining vital services for residents in Englehart and surrounding areas.

About Blanche River Health Foundation

The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Blanche River Health hospitals in Englehart and Kirkland Lake. With limited government funding, the hospitals rely on people’s generosity to modernize facilities, improve patient care, and advance its mission to make healthcare work for you. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring essential improvements are made possible.

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

• Online: Visit brhfoundation.ca
• Cheque: Blanche River Health Foundation, 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4
• Lottery Tickets: Purchase Split the Pot tickets at splitthepot.ca
• Your Estate Planner: Include the Foundation in your will through planned giving: legacy.brhfoundation.ca 
• Grateful Hearts Program: Honour a caregiver or staff member who made a difference by donating in their name through grateful.brhfoundation.ca

Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.

Pictured:

1. Georgia-Pacific presents a $10,000 donation to Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) to support the purchase of ceiling lifts at the Blanche River Health (BRH) Englehart site.
   Left to right: Melissa Lamoureux (BRH Professional Development Coordinator), Sherry L’Heureux (BRH Manager Critical Care), Tiffany White (Georgia-Pacific Community/Public Relations Coordinator), Callahan Osborne (Georgia-Pacific HR manager), Troy Richardson (Georgia-Pacific Mill Manager), Jorge Vanslyke (BRH President & CEO and BRHF Board Secretary), John Sullivan (BRHF Board Chair), Katie Lavergne (BRHF Administrative Assistant), Samantha Saudino (BRH Vice President of Clinical Services & CNO), and Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director). 
2. Kimberley Guitard (BRH Ward Clerk) and Janine Widdifield (BRH Registered Nurse) demonstrate how the ceiling lifts work.