To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—On Thursday, June 21, 2023 the Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation hosted an appreciation event honouring an elite group of donors and volunteers. Recognized were those who have been making contributions for 30 years or more or who have given over $5,000 in the past three years. In addition to that, DHHF’s very dedicated volunteers were also recognized.
Executive Director Penny Banks expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Foundation, “As our most loyal supporters, you play a significant role in our success! Through the pandemic, healthcare challenges, rising costs, and inflation we have been able to count on your ongoing commitment to ensure that our hospital will have the equipment needed to save lives every day!”
On the guest list were several former and current DHHF board members, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) and Edgewater Gardens (EG) board members, including Board Chair Joanna Brzozowska who spoke about the impact of past, present, and future donors.
President and CEO of HWMH and EG Sharon Moore was also in attendance, as was Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, who thanked everyone on behalf of Haldimand County Council.
The Donor and Volunteer Recognition Event saw MPP Bobbi Ann Brady’s Constituency Assistant Tina Gates bring greetings and present celebratory scrolls to recognize the achievements of the longtime donors.
Guest speakers spoke about the success of DHHF, inspirational legacies, donor impact, and contributing time, talent, and treasure.
Sandie Heirwegh, Chair of DHHF, said on behalf of the Foundation’s board of directors, “We truly can’t express our heartfelt gratitude enough. We are all blessed to be a part of a community that cares and that caring comes from the actions of each donor and volunteer. Thank you!”
This event was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special achievement of former Canadian Tire owner Dan Ryan. For 25 years, Ryan supported the DHHF annual golf tournament and in recognition of his support, he was presented a special achievement award.
The evening concluded when Karen Tilstra proudly presented the award named in her honour to longtime DHHF volunteer Kathy Egger.
In 2022 the board saw the end of an era! Tilstra’s term on the board of directors came to an end. After eight years of sharing her wealth of experience, leadership, and compassion, Tilstra was presented the inaugural Karen Tilstra Volunteer Leadership Award. DHHF established this award in her honour upon her leaving the board.
The Karen Tilstra Volunteer Leadership Award is presented to an individual in recognition of their exceptional volunteer leadership skills. This individual demonstrates characteristics that reflect those of Tilstra – one who embodies true commitment to the community of Dunnville and surrounding area through volunteer leadership activities. The successful recipient will have shown ongoing commitment and leadership and will have inspired other volunteers. Additionally, the person will have made exceptional achievements through volunteering, for the benefit of DHHF and other non-profit organizations in the community.
As a longtime resident of Dunnville, Kathy Egger is an invaluable Foundation ambassador and an active volunteer in the community. Egger served for five years on the DHHF board of directors and has continued to volunteer at fundraising events.
In addition to her support of DHHF, Kathy also runs the breakfast program at Thompson Creek Public School. As part of her volunteer activities, she has been leading this initiative for over 10 years and is responsible for fundraising, purchasing all the supplies, coordinating all the volunteers, and preparing hot breakfasts five days a week for children who would otherwise go without.
Egger is an active member at her church and very involved with the congregational committee.
“Without doubt, Kathy Egger is a special person and an amazing volunteer, and we were incredibly proud to have Tilstra present this award to her, in acknowledgement of her leadership,” said Banks.
When asked how she felt about being recognized with this prestigious accolade, Egger said, “It is an honour to be chosen to receive the Karen Tilstra Volunteer Leadership Award. Not everyone has the time or ability to volunteer. I am fortunate that my family has supported me in this way. Being involved and giving back to our community has always been of great importance to me.”
