Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF) held its Annual General Meeting on October 2, 2024. Board members, community supporters, and health care staff gathered in person and virtually to celebrate the Foundation’s accomplishments and outline future initiatives. The evening highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to evolving alongside the changing needs of the communities it serves.

In the 2022/23 fiscal year, the Foundation proudly reported over $344,000 in funding that directly supported health care across the Interlake-Eastern Reginal Health Authority region. These funds were essential in acquiring crucial equipment, facilitating staff training and education, enhancing facilities, and much more. This investment reflects the generosity of the community, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of care for residents.

“This past year was been filled with milestones for the Foundation,” said Brent Wynnyk, Chair of the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation. “We approved our first-ever strategic plan, titled ‘Supporting Care and Community: The Path Forward,’ which will guide our activities to increase awareness, improve processes, and bolster fundraising efforts in our priority areas.”

The Foundation also launched its inaugural Holiday Campaign raising funds in support of health care workers. Over $35,000 was raised and numerous messages of gratitude for the dedicated staff were received. Additionally, the Foundation was honored to receive its largest donation to date — an estate gift from the late Peter and Anna Davidson, aimed at ensuring more residents can remain close to home when requiring personal care.

Engaging the community further, the Foundation participated in its first lottery events, partnering with the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg Kin Kar raffle and with a number of Manitoba Charities in the launch of One Great Lottery.

The Foundation opened two new endowment funds last year, and announced the first round of grants from endowment funds in the organization’s history.

During the meeting, the Foundation bid farewell to two board members, Jason Machado and Ted Lewis. Jason, who joined the board in 2021, was recognized for his contributions to financial reporting improvements. Ted, a founding member and past chair, has played a pivotal role in promoting the Foundation and enhancing community engagement. Both will be greatly missed but are expected to remain active supporters of the Foundation.

As the Foundation looks to the future, it expresses its deep gratitude to community members for their unwavering support. “Your belief in our mission drives our determination to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community,” added Wynnyk.

The board of directors is eager to embark on new, larger projects in collaboration with partners across the IERHA and within the community.

For more information about the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation and to learn how you can contribute, please visit www.iehf.ca or email iehf@ierha.ca or phone 204-485-5139.