In this report:
Reflecting on 2025/2026...
A letter from the Executive Director and Board Chair.
Behind every gift is a story. Individuals and families giving what they can. Businesses and organizations stepping up. Volunteers dedicating their time and energy. In 2025/26, that added up to almost 4,500 families and organizations, each with their own reason, giving back to our local hospital. Whether through events, lotteries, or generous donations, your commitment reflects a shared belief that outstanding care should always be available close to home. At SAH, this past year has been defined by both progress and possibility. Across our community – and within our healthcare system – we continue to navigate change, rising demand, and new opportunities to improve care close to home. Through it all, one constant remains: the remarkable generosity of our donors and supporters. Because of you, incredible advancements are taking place at Sault Area Hospital. From groundbreaking innovations like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and robotic surgery, to core critical equipment like C-Arms, hospital beds, and cancer treatment chairs. Your support is helping bring leading-edge care to Algoma. These investments are not just about technology – they are about comfort, dignity, and better outcomes for every patient who walks through our hospital’s doors. This year, together, we raised $9.1 million in support of local healthcare and disbursed $7.6 million to the hospital – which includes $3.6 million for the cardiac stenting program. These funds are making an immediate impact across departments – from medical imaging to surgical care, and so much more – ensuring our teams have the tools they need to provide the best possible care. As we look ahead, the need continues to grow – but so does our optimism. With your continued support, we will keep investing in the equipment and innovation that our hospital depends on. Together, we are building a healthier future for every person in Algoma. Thank you!
$5 MILLION EVERY YEAR
SAH Foundation has an ambitious goal: to provide over $5 million to Sault Area Hospital every year. Unlike hospital operations, the cost of medical equipment isn’t covered by provincial funding—it’s philanthropy that bridges the gap. That’s where you come in. Your support helps to replace aging equipment, purchase innovative technology, and expand services available in our community.
Medical equipment is advancing quickly. New technology continuously raises the bar for patient care, hospital efficiency, and staff safety. To keep up with these high standards, Sault Area Hospital must have the latest medical equipment.
As a supporter of SAH Foundation, you play a crucial role: With your help, together we enable our hospital to provide the best possible healthcare to every person in Algoma.
Your support helps make outstanding care possible at Sault Area Hospital.
MISSION
Raising funds together to support outstanding care at Sault Area Hospital.
VISION
A community united to supported the best possible healthcare for every person in Algoma.
VALUES
Integrity
We strive to always do the right thing.
Compassion
We are person-centered, approaching our work with patience and kindness.
Collaboration + Partnership
We succeed together.
Accountability
We take ownership of our action and results.
Respect
We welcome divers ideas, perspectives and contributions.
Excellence
We will innovate and adapt to continuously improve in our work.
2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Skeggs, Chair
Laurie Burrows, Vice Chair
Ashlee Gerard, Secretary
Alex Forsey, Treasurer
Ahmad Alkosani
Danielle Cognigni
Carin Glassford
Stephanie Maragna
Erica Peres Murray
Adam Pinder
Dr. Laura Stone
Ila Watson, CEO – SAH
Teresa Martone, Executive Director
In March 2026, Sault Area Hospital CEO and President Ila Watson announced her retirement.
Ila served on the SAH Foundation Board of Directors as Interim CEO in 2018-2019, and joined again when the was appointed CEO in 2021.
We are grateful for the leadership Ila has provided as CEO, and for the insight she has lent to the SAH Foundation Board of Directors.
“I leave knowing this organization [SAH] is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional care for the people of Algoma.”
KEY MILESTONES
FINAL DISBURSEMENT: CARDIAC STENTING
The project that brought a new cardiac catheterization lab, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), to our hospital was finalized this year!
Percutanous Coronary Intervention ($3,645,778)
Prior to 2018, SAH could diagnose a blockage in the heart, but could not fix it. This service has transformed care for thousands of patients in the Algoma District, offering a new, life-saving procedure, close to home.
As of March 31, 2026
2,497
PCI PROCEDURES
have been performed at SAH.
When funding a large project that involves construction, like this one, SAH Foundation has to not only wait for everything to be completed, but for all details to be finalized with vendors, contractors, and even the Ministry of Health. Only then can funds be disbursed.
DONORS MAKE IT POSSIBLE
This new program, and the thousands of lives it has saved, would not be possible without the generous support of Dale Harrison, The Lukenda Foundation, and the many community donors who contributed toward it.
2014
2018
2024
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First proposal to expand services
First case completed in 2nd cath lab
First PCI case completed at Sault Area Hospital
2016
SAH Foundation commits to raise up to $5 million for PCI
SAH Foundation disburses funds for PCI project
2025
2022
Province commits to fund 2nd cath lab for SAH
INNOVATION
MOLLI 2 ($58,077)
The Magnetic Occult Lesion Localization Instrument (MOLLI) arrived in May 2025. MOLLI uses a small, implantable magnetic marker – about the size of a sesame seed – that can be placed up to 30 days before surgery. It allows surgeons to precisely locate and remove breast tumors, and transforms the surgical experience for breast cancer patients in our community, offering greater comfort, safety, and confidence for breast cancer patients! MOLLI 2 was generously funded by Sandra Hollingsworth.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound ($80,820)
In November 2025, Sault Area Hospital became the first Hospital in the world to offer a groundbreaking pain management procedure using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This non-invasive procedure is most commonly used to treat pain from spinal arthritis and chronic conditions. It offers long-lasting relief, and faster recovery times than other methods. Patients can now access this care without the need for invasive procedures or long travel. HIFU was funded using dollars SAH Foundation allocates for Physician Recruitment – helping attract and retain new doctors.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITY: REMOTE ROBOTIC SURGERY
Thanks to a partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital and equipment advancements that came with offering cardiac stenting, the new cardiac catheterization lab could soon play host to a groundbreaking new procedure: the state-of-the-art room will be used for a remote robotic surgery trial, planned for late-2026.
In a stroke, every second counts. Currently, patients who need a blood clot removed from their brain are transported to larger hospitals – and that transfer time can cause lasting brain damage or death. With new robotic technology, a surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto could operate on a patient at Sault Area Hospital, saving critical time. This trial could pave the way for faster, life-saving treatment for people in areas all over Canada without access to specialized doctors and equipment.
NEW EQUIPMENT
2 C-Arms ($475,766)
Thanks to your support, there are two new C-Arms at Sault Area Hospital! These x-ray tools are designed to be portable, and can move around a patient to provide real-time images during surgeries and procedures. C-Arms are critical in supporting urology, orthopedic, cardiac, and pain management procedures. The new units provide sharper, more detailed images at lower radiation doses, reducing exposure for both patients and staff.
3 Scopes ($107,239)
Because of your generosity, a gastroscope, a paediatric gastroscope, and a duodenal scope in our surgical suite were replaced this year. These scopes help surgeons see inside the body during minimally invasive surgeries. This type of surgery uses smaller incisions that can shorten recovery time for patients. The gastroscope was funded through the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 Poppy Fund.
3 Infant Isolettes ($126,902)
Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the only one in the Algoma District, and cares for over 100 babies in a typical year. Isolettes help manage temperature, humidity and oxygen levels to keep NICU babies warm and safe.
These isolettes have been funded by J.P. Bickell Foundation, Mike Moore Construction Ltd., and Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
Your gifts are bringing new tools to our hospital, keeping us up-to-date with the latest technology.
PATIENT COMFORT
16 Cancer Treatment Chairs ($182,720)
Community support brought in new treatment chairs to keep patients comfortable in the Algoma District Cancer Program (ADCP). While the chairs look like a living room recliner, they are made specifically for hospital use. The chairs are more ergonomic, with a remote control that reduces the need for manual adjustments. Since they’ve arrived, they’ve created a significantly better experience for both patients and staff.
A number of partners helped fund these chairs, including:
An Evening at Hogwarts Volunteer Committee, USW Local 2251, USW Local 2724, USW Local 9548, George Stone & Sons, and R.F. Contracting.
1,500
PATIENTS
receive Cancer Care at Sault Area Hospital each year
44 Hospital Beds ($526,740)
If you’ve ever slept in an uncomfortable bed, you know the difference a good one can make – especially when you’re not well. The 44 beds that were purchased this year included 27 to replace beds that had reached the end of their lifespan, and 17 that were needed when hospital volumes surged during flu season.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
MATCH FOR THE LAB
In Spring of 2025, JJ, Donna, Jamie and Mary Hilsinger offered to match donations made toward two new chemistry analyzers for the lab.
The lab at SAH performs over 2 million tests a year – and over 870,000 of them use chemistry analyzers.Chemistry analyzers are the backbone of the lab. They run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They help check for organ function, diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, and identify imbalances.With over 500 gifts matched, our community raised a total of $182,720 toward this equipment!
GIVINGTUESDAY
On GivingTuesday (December 2, 2025), Henderson Metal offered a $25,000 match, with the goal to raise “$50k in a day” to fund a TeraRecon Server.
This high-powered analysis tool is used in Medical Imaging. It allows doctors to see 3D images and real-time videos of organs (like a beating heart) with incredible detail. The community came together and raised over $77,000 – funding the TeraRecon Server and providing extra funds for future imaging needs.
VOLUNTEERS
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Every year, dozens of volunteers help Sault Area Hospital Foundation with community outreach, fundraising events, lottery ticket sales and more. We are so appreciative of those who donate their time and talents to support our work.
SPREAD CHEER
Volunteers helped us distribute over 2,200 stuffed animals donated by PetSmart over the holiday season.
SUPPORTED EVENTS
When community groups hold golf tournaments and barbecues in support of SAH Foundation, our volunteers are glad to help!
SHARED SMILES
Smile cookies were decorated by over 150 volunteers this year to support paediatric spaces at SAH.
SOLD TICKETS
Every day, from 10am-2pm, volunteers sell SAHF Lottery tickets in the hospital lobby.
If you are interested in joining our board
If you are interested in volunteering with SAHF
EVENTS & LOTTERIES
RAISED
$730,000+
THIS YEAR, FOR SAH FOUNDATION
 NEW EVENT: MEALS ‘N REELSIn partnership with Sault College and community partners, SAH Foundation launched Meals ‘N Reels — bringing food and film together in support of our local hospital. As the film ‘Chef’ played on screen, four delicious courses were served during key moments in the film. Creating an immersive experience where guests could taste the dishes on screen. The event raised over $7,000 in support of critical medical equipment at Sault Area Hospital. |  5 CAR DRAWThis year, the annual 5 Car Draw celebrated it’s 35th anniversary! To mark such a significant milestone, the draw awarded thirty early bird prizes in addition to the five grand prizes. This was truly the “Year of Cash,” with all five grand prize winners choosing cash over car. Over $120,000 was raised for critical medical equipment at SAH. |  SAHF 50/50Over $1 million in prizing was awarded in 2025/2026 monthly SAHF 50/50 draws, including lucky winners Lucienne Coleman ($100,000), Darlene Crozier ($100,000), and Carrie Cerenzie ($81,125) who generously donated $10,000 of her winnings back to SAH Foundation. This program continues to change lives and support equipment at our hospital. After expenses, 50/50 raised over $360,000 in 2025/2026. |
|---|---|---|
 SPLIT THE POTSAH Foundation continues to partner with more than 80 other hospitals through the Split the Pot (STP) lottery. This year, the partnership expanded to locally owned convenience stores selling both STP and SAHF 50/50 tickets in-store. SAH Foundation continues to be one of the tofor Split the Pot (STP): a multi-hospital lottery that “splits” the jackpot among the lucky winners! This year, our supporters ensured SAH Foundation was one of the top hospitals in the STP program, raising almost $100,000. |
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Thank you to the many groups, organizations and individuals who held, attended, or assisted with events.
 COBS Bread selected SAH Foundation as the beneficiary of their annual “Doughnation Day” campaign, rCOBS Bread selected SAH Foundation as the beneficiary of their annual “Doughnation |  AN EVENING AT HOGWARTSThe 5th annual fundraiser, The Half Blood Prince, broke records in attendance and fundraising. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, the 2025 event raised an incredible $52,550 for SAH Foundation. Since its inception in 2018, An Evening at Hogwarts has raised a total of $236,998 in support of local cancer care. |  RUN THE GREAT LAKESOver 600 participants joined the 26th annual Run the Great Lakes! Runners, walkers, and families enjoyed the 1K & 2K Kids’ Run, while others took on the 5K and 10K routes. The event raised $17,000 for SAH Foundation. |
|---|---|---|
 SAH Foundation continues to partner with more than 80 other hospitals through the Split the Pot (STP) lottery. This year, the partnership expanded to locally owned convenience stores selling both STP and SAHF 50/50 tickets in-store. SAH Foundation continues to be one of the tofor Split the Pot (STP): a multi-hospital lottery that “splits” the jackpot among the lucky winners! This year, our supporters ensured SAH Foundation was one of the top hospitals in the STP program, raising almost $100,000. |
The Gala returned for a spectacular event at the GFL Memorial Gardens on November 15, 2025. Attended by over 250 community and business leaders, donors and Foundation friends, this year’s event raised a remarkable $110,000 for SAH Foundation.
JEWELLERY TREE
A show-stopping jewellery lottery tree allowed guests to buy their tickets and pick a box for a chance to win. The winner had the choice of a pair of diamond earrings (valued at $11,000) or a custom piece of jewellery (valued at up to $10,000) – generously donated by Savoy’s Jewellers.
AUCTIONS
Attendees helped to raise over $7,000 bidding in the Silent Auction. The live auction, led by local legend Vernon Bailey, raised over $27,000! Neither would have been possible without the dozens of prizes generously donated by supporters, artists, and local businesses.
2025 GALA
2025/2026 RESULTS
Donation revenue was our largest source of income – over 60% of revenue came from donations.
Lottery and Events (like SAHF 50/50 and 5 Car Draw) also represent a significant source of income, but have high expenses tied to them. Lottery prizing and event expenses make up almost 2/3 of our overall expenses.
Overall, a total of $5.8 million (revenue after expenses) was raised in 2025/2026.
Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s success!
REVENUE
EXPENSES
$5.8
MILLION
available for disbursement
Of which, $3.6M raised in previous years went to final cardiac stenting project costs.
DISBURSED 2025/2026:
Critical Care
$4,055,451
Laboratory
$179,388
Pharmacy
$70,770
Women & Children's Health
$236,087
Cancer Care
$116,537
Surgical
$708,132
Hospital-Wide
$795,862
Medical Imaging
$1,244,046
Urology
$68,393
Allied Health
$43,363
Mental Health
$37,429
Biomedical Engineering
$25,290
Renal
$11,910
$7.8 MILLION
disbursed in 2025/26*
*Timing between equipment purchase, arrival and installation can cross fiscal years – see “Deferred”.
2026/27 CURRENT NEEDS
NEW EQUIPMENT
For 2026/2027, 83 priority pieces of equipment will be purchased for departments across Sault Area Hospital.
In recent years, there has been a need for urgent replacement of items that stop working unexpectedly. This year’s budget includes $300,000 allocated for these “emergency purchases”.
$3.5
MILLION
for new equipment
Surgical
$1,407,110
Hospital-Wide
$906,051
Emergency Department
$281,782
Biomedical Engineering
$252,657
Ambulatory Care
$224,750
Critical Care
$196,720
Rehabilitation
$80,430
Laboratory
$62,332
Medical Imaging
$40,875
Women & Children's Health
$37,437
Renal
$22,636
Cancer Care
$12,713
$2.7 MILLION DEFERRED FUNDING FROM 2025/26
While work is done each year to bring countless pieces of new equipment into our hospital, delays in the procurement process can mean funding is deferred to the next fiscal year.
This included funding for projects that have already started in:
Medical Imaging Ambulatory Care
$1,382,21
Hospital-Wide
$478,000
Laboratory
$397,839
Critical Care
$158,972
Ambulatory Care
$147,928
Mental Health
$125,235
Surgical
$53,513
Women & Children’s Health
$3,750
$1.5 MILLION FINANCED EQUIPMENT
High-cost items and bulk purchases of equipment needed across the hospital are often financed over multiple years to For 2025/2026, this includes payments toward the following projects: ensure SAH Foundation can cover significant investments alongside other equipment needs of Sault Area Hospital
For 2025/2026, this includes payments toward the following projects:
2026
-
SPEC CT
2023
-
Interventional Radiology Suite
-
Cardiac Cath LAb
-
Fluoroscopy Room
2022
-
MRI
-
Surgical Tools
2021
-
Sterile Processing
-
Picture Archiving
2020
-
OR Integration
-
Medication Packager
2019
-
Defibrillators
2018
-
Anesthesia Care Stations
IN 2026/2027 WE HOPE TO PROVIDE:
$7.7 MILLION
STRATEGIC PLAN
2024 - 2027 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
In April 2024, SAH Foundation launched a 3-year strategic plan, with three strategic directions: Community Education, Growing our Donor Communities and Strengthening Operations.
Priority initiatives are helping SAH Foundation maintain focus and continue to generate support for Sault Area Hospital by ensuring our community has a clear understanding of the need to support, providing opportunities to connect their support in ways that are best for them and exploring other innovative ways to raise the funds that bring in critical medical equipment.
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
COMMUNICATING IMPACT
CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS
STRENGTHENING OPERATIONS
We will increase strategic communication to support awareness, sharing the vital need for fundraising and the difference donations make for our hospital.
We place people and community at the heart of our work, and will continuously build pathways for stable, ongoing support.
We will use funds for the greatest impact at our hospital, develop sustainable revenue sources, and provide our team with the tools for success.
PRIORITY INITATIVES
Community Education
We will deepen awareness of what SAHF does as the sole source of funds for medical equipment at our hospital.
Grow Our Donor Communities
We will develop donor-focused programs and events to promote continuous support for our hospital, at all levels.
Long-Term Sustainability
We will build resilience in our team and Foundation, adapting to meet the evolving equipment needs of our hospital.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
Increase Ambassador Network
Increase Community Presence
Increase Supporter Engagement
New Programs/Events Introduced
Retention and Skills Growth of Team
Increase Revenue
While our primary focus as an organization is always on raising funds to support outstanding care at Sault Area Hospital, this strategic plan has allowed us to prioritize initiatives that may not bear immediate fruit, but help support that work over the long term.
STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION
SAH Foundation is focused on giving more community presentations, and being part of community events.
If your group or organization would like a presentation, contact us!
COMMUNICATING IMPACT: COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Grade 6 Presentations
Partnering with the Algoma District School Board, SAH Foundation developed a series of presentations targeted to Grade 6 students. These educational presentations help young people learn about philanthropy, and how SAH Foundation helps our local hospital.
Work in this area continues in 2026/27, with hopes of reaching a number of local Grade 6 classes in early 2027.
CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS: GROW OUR DONOR COMMUNITIES
Biweekly Foundation Friends (BFF)
SAH staff understand how critical it is to have the right tools to provide outstanding care. That’s why so many of our team members choose to give back through payroll giving. This year, the program was rebranded as BFF - for Biweekly Foundation Friends. Our BFFs were celebrated at a BFF Bash, got fun friendship bracelets, and had their new gifts doubled through a generous match from George Stone & Sons.
In 2025/26, we had 415 BFFs who, together, gave over $75,000.
STRENGTHENING OPERATIONS: LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Certified Fundraising Executive Credentials
Part of stewarding your donations best, and having the greatest impact for our hospital, is developing our team. Anyone working at SAH Foundation is encouraged to pursue their Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation. This designation recognizes professional performance, education, and requires passing a comprehensive knowledge test. CFREs vow to uphold the highest standards in ethics and professionalism in fundraising. Certification is recognized as the global standard for fundraising professionalism.
Congratulations to our two new CFREs, Megan Wigmore and Lee Rendell!
CONTACT US
We're always happy to hear from you!
TERESA MARTONE
Executive Director
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3832
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Speaking engagements, media inquiries, partnerships
JOHN R. FARRELL
Director, Philanthropy
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x3845
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Making impactful personal gifts
LEE RENDELL, CFRE
Donor Engagement & Programs
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x4372
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Donor programs, giving options, leaving a legacy
MEGAN WIGMORE, CFRE
Manager, Communications
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3816
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Sharing stories of impact at SAH
KAT HAZELTON
Communications & Development Intern
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x4384
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Digital communications, buying a lottery ticket
JULIE HAYES
Administrative Assistant
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x6886
Ask me about:
Ask me about: General inquiries, Board of Directors liaison
JENNIFER KING-CALLON
Donor Relations
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3827
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Making impactful personal gifts
TIMOTHY MURPHY
Community Engagement & Events
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x7085
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Events, sponsorships, volunteering
ASHLEY CERRA
Lottery & Communications
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x7142
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Supporting our lotteries or Foundation communications
TRISTAN GRANDINETTI
Finance
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3812
Ask me about:
Ask me about: Making gifts of shares, or for help with your tax receipt