A recent donation of $962,500, the largest ever made by an individual in Blanche River Health Foundation’s history, will help improve the patient experience for years to come, said John Sullivan, Board Chair, Blanche River Health Foundation. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the late Olga Jackson for the generous gift she left to Blanche River Health Foundation in her will,” said Sullivan. “Planned giving is just one of the many ways people and businesses help make up the cost for medical equipment and capital projects that are not funded by the government.” 

Though Olga Jackson and her sisters Mary and Matilda “Tilly” were born and raised in Kirkland Lake, only Tilly remained, working as a nurse in a local physician office. When Tilly was hospitalized at Blanche River Health in her later years, Olga kept close tabs on her sister and the care she received. 

“Olga was so appreciative of the quality of care that Tilly received at Blanche River Health, she decided to leave a generous gift in her will,” said Ron Reid, a friend who served as executor of her estate. “I think she recognized that this little hospital in Northern Ontario has a big heart.”

According to Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO of Blanche River Health, the large donation couldn’t have come at a better time. 

“We are very grateful for this generous legacy gift, which has arrived at a time when we are facing unprecedented financial constraints,” she said. “Blanche River Health depends on the Foundation to help bridge funding gaps for equipment and infrastructure needs. We are grateful for our communities’ support through donations, legacy gifts, and the purchase of 50/50 tickets at blancheriverhealth5050.ca.”

A follow-up announcement will be made in the coming weeks, to share with the community how this generous legacy gift will be allocated.

"While this generous gift will make a very positive impact on local patients, there remains a great need to continually replace aging medical equipment and infrastructure,” added Sullivan. “I hope Olga Jackson’s gift will inspire others to support their local hospital.”  

Leaving a gift in your will to Blanche River Health Foundation is a legacy of lasting impact on health care in your community. Because the Foundation is a registered charity, such gifts can significantly reduce estate taxes. Those who are interested in leaving a legacy gift to the Blanche River Health Foundation can learn more by visiting the Foundation page on our web site or speaking to their estate planners.   

Blanche River Health is a 74-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (26 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas.