In a powerful show of philanthropic leadership, Linamar Corporation announced a remarkable $1 million donation to St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph at the official launch of St. Joseph’s $15 million Building Better Healthcare Campaign.

The announcement was made during a heartfelt event filled with supporters, patients, residents, families and local champions including the Building Better Healthcare Campaign Ambassador Team (click here to see full list of Ambassadors).

St. Joseph’s Health Centre is Guelph’s only rehabilitation and complex continuing care hospital and a recognized leader in seniors’ and long-term care. The Building Better Healthcare Campaign will address some of the region’s most urgent healthcare needs by building better spaces, bringing better technologies, and creating better care for people facing significant and complex health challenges.

Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chair of the Board of Linamar and Campaign Ambassador, was introduced by Susan Frasson, President of Wood Development Group and Honorary Campaign Chair. Susan’s own family has made a leadership donation to the campaign through the W.C. Wood Foundation, and both of their remarks reflected their deep personal commitment to advancing healthcare, close to home.

“At Linamar, we believe strong communities are synonymous with strong healthcare,” said Hasenfratz. “Donations to St. Joe’s Building Better Healthcare Campaign are critical investments in the health and well-being of our community, and will help care for our loved ones, neighbours and colleagues for years to come.”

The event also honored the Robert Ireland Family, whose $1 million donation was the first lead gift to the campaign, elevating the cause and inspiring others.

A moving campaign video was unveiled at the event and captured just one of the thousands of stories of hope and healing that happen at St. Joseph’s.  See the video here: https://youtu.be/wF6pvv7ndGw?si=7aWx3G_pK0p1fjnh

The Campaign Ambassador Team then announced that over $10 million has been raised so far towards the $15 million goal.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the leadership of Linamar, the Wood/Frasson family, the Ireland family, and other local philanthropists who have already made generous donations,” said Sera Filice, CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. “We are inviting our community to join us on our Building Better Healthcare Campaign journey, to share our vision, and to help us reach this ambitious $15 million goal so we can build a stronger St. Joseph’s”.

The funds raised will go directly toward creating new patient rooms, upgrading and enhancing spaces and equipping St. Joseph’s with next-generation healthcare technology.

To support or learn more about how St. Joe’s Building Better Healthcare Campaign will improve care for those facing significant injuries, advanced disease and terminal illness, please visit our website here.