FAQs

What is the Foundation?

The Sault Area Hospital Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Sault Area Hospital.  It is a non-profit, charitable organization established to work with the Hospital and provides funds to help purchase new medical equipment and program needs.

 

Where is the Foundation located in the Hospital and its hours of operation?

The Sault Area Hospital Foundation is location at 750 Great Northern Road.  We can be found just off the main lobby in behind the main Information Desk on the second level, Wing F.

How does the SAHF raise funds over the course of the year?

We raise funds through special events such as the annual 5-Car Draw, RBC's Financial Group's Chilifest, other third-party special events, direct mail appeals, and the Our Lotto  held throughout the year in addition to your generous donations.  Such gifts are made by individuals, businesses, service clubs and other organizations.  Giving can be made in various forms, for example, in memoriam, in honor, grateful patients,  legacy, and estate donations.

Does the SAHF decide which areas will receive funding?

No, the Foundation does not make this decision.  Each year, the Foundation receives a list of priority medical equipment needs from the Hospital.  This administration is called the Capital Planning Process which a committee comprised of physicians, nurse managers, departmental managers and key stakeholders who determine and makes recommendation to the Sault Area Hospital Administration.  This equipment list is then reviewed with the SAHF Board of Directors and a decision is made on the available funding for this fiscal year.  For more detailed information on the entire process, check out this section of our website.   Prioritizing Equipment & Other Capital Needs.

Why does the SAHF continue to fundraise each year?

The government only provides the basics in healthcare and purchasing the full cost of new medical equipment has always been the responsibility of the Hospital.
Our physicians, specialists, technicians and nurses do not always have the most state-of-the-art equipment (or enough of it) available to them.  The fact is, medical equipment and technology is constantly changing and improving.  Not only does the government mandate that our hospital keep up to date with these innovations, technological advances require this as well. 
Your donation will help purchase the latest state-of-the-art medical equipment for the Sault Area Hospital so that we can continue delivering the highest quality of healthcare in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Region.

Will the SAHF send out cards in honour or in memory of an individual on my behalf?

Yes, most certainly.  When you make a gift to the Foundation, whether it be in honour of an individual or in memory of a loved one, please include the name, address and reason for honouring the person.  We will send a card to that person or family advising them of the honour you have bestowed on them or their loved one.  The amount of the donation will remain confidential.

What type of reasons or occasions can I choose to honour someone?

Honouring someone can be very special.  You can honour them for their birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new baby, graduations, retirements, or a simple thank you.  Perhaps you would like to thank a physician, or nurse who cared for you or a loved one, perhaps a teacher, or a friend.  The list is endless and the choice is yours.

Who do I contact if I want to run an event on behalf of the SAHF?

If you wish to run an event on behalf of the Sault Area Area Hospital, please contact David Shier, Development Officer at (705) 759-3816 or email at shierd@sah.on.ca. All event planners must complete a Third Party Event Contract as well as be approved by the Special Events Committee prior to proceeding.

Can I be assured my personal information will not be traded or sold to another organization?

Yes.  At the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, safeguarding our donors' privacy has always been a top priority.  The personal information you provide us is used solely to process the donation you make, maintain a record of all contributions and keep you informed of the latest news and fundraising initiatives by sending annual reports, and newsletters.  All information on our donors is confidential.  We do not sell or trade lists.

Do you have volunteer opportunities at SAH?

Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities at SAH in various departments, including the Foundation.  If you wish to volunteer at SAH, please contact the Volunteer Services Department at (705) 759-3721.

Will I still receive a tax receipt if I make a donation monthly?

Yes, if you have joined our Monthly Giving Program, Friends Forever, you will receive a tax receipt at the end of the year.

I want to leave SAHF a bequest in my will - what is my next step?

If you intend to leave a gift in your will, whether it is large or small, to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (this is the proper legal name), the process can be fairly straightforward.   It is a matter of preparing a will or codicil and including a phrase about your intention.  (Please click here for some sample phrases which can be used in your will).

Can I donate securities (such as stock or mutual funds) rather than cash?

Yes, the Federal Government's 2006 budget has eliminated the capital gains tax your would normally pay on the profits of selling publicly listed securities, provided you donate these securities directly to a registered Canadian public charity such as the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. 
You will still receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value of the donated shares or securities.  (Prior to this new development, donors paid a portion of the capital gains tax when they made a charitable gift that had appreciated in value - this is no longer the case). 
* The Sault Area Hospital Foundation would not presume to offer financial advice.  We recommend that you seek professional legal, estate planning or financial advice to assist you to establish a planned gift that will meet your philanthropic interests and achieve the greatest tax benefit to you.

I want to have my name taken off the SAHF contact list - how do I do that?

Please contact our office at (705) 759-3848; toll free 1-888-623-3904; or drop us an email at foundation@sah.on.ca.

I would prefer to get my annual report or newsletters by email instead of a hard copy in the mail - how can I do that?

Please contact our office by sending us an email at foundation@sah.on.ca and requesting that a copy of newsletters and/or annual reports be forwarded electronically.