Reflecting on 2024/2025...
A letter from the Executive Director and Board Chair.
This past year has brought with it a tide of change. We’ve all felt the pressure of a shifting global, national and provincial landscape. Yet, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering support of our donors. Despite the unpredictability of the world around us, our community has continued to show up with an unshakable commitment to local healthcare. Throughout the year, time and time again, donors and supporters have answered our call. In a time of so much uncertainty, it’s inspiring to see the commitment our community has to supporting local healthcare. Your generosity is helping ensure outstanding care remains possible, close to home. Each year, our Foundation aims to provide $5 million to our hospital to purchase critical medical equipment. Thanks to your support, we raised an astounding $4.8 million, and were able to disburse over $5 million to SAH. This incredible sum comes from thousands of individuals and families who make payroll or monthly gifts, who respond to our mailed appeals, who attend our events and who purchase our lottery tickets. Community members who volunteer, giving their time and talents to raise awareness and funds for our cause. Businesses, organizations and service clubs that make pledges, hold fundraisers, and share our vision: a community united to support the best possible healthcare for every person in Algoma. The impact of your generosity is felt across Sault Area Hospital and by each patient who receives care here. As we reflect on this past year, it’s clear that despite the broader challenges we face, our community remains grounded in the belief that local care matters. That healthcare close to home is worth investing in. And that, together, we’re stronger when we show up for one another. As our population changes and healthcare demands grow, your support is ensuring we can continue to fund the equipment our hospital urgently needs. We are deeply grateful to each of you. Together, we make outstanding care possible – and ensure a healthier future for every person in Algoma. Thank you, Teresa Martone Executive Director, SAH Foundation Paul Skeggs Board Chair, SAH Foundation
In this report:
$5 MILLION EVERY YEAR
SAH Foundation has an ambitious goal: to provide $5 million to Sault Area Hospital every year. Unlike hospital operations, the cost of medical equipment isn’t covered by provincial funding—it’s up to our community to bridge 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, Treasurer
Ashlee Gerard, Secretary
Alex Forsey
Derek Jackson
Bill Kerr
Stephanie Maragna
Erica Peres Murray
Adam Pinder
Dr. Laura Stone
Ila Watson, CEO – SAH
Teresa Martone, Executive Director
KEY MILESTONES
OUR GREATEST NEED:
MEDICAL IMAGING
Roughly 1 in every 5 dollars raised is invested in Medical Imaging at SAH.
Digital Radiography Rooms ($1,543,777)
Imaging is often one of the first steps in a diagnosis, so it is a critical area of investment for our hospital. In August of 2024, SAH completed the replacement of all three Digital Radiography (DR) Rooms. These are the rooms where “x-ray” images are taken.
The renovated and upgraded spaces have advanced technology, offering clearer images, mechanical movement to reduce strain on technicians, and improved long length imaging. The DR Rooms are critical for care, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fluoroscopy Ultrasound for PICC Insertions ($90,478)
This ultrasound unit is used during the placement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines. Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a real-time, moving x-ray image. The ultrasound helps guide the PICC line, reducing the risk of complications.
SAH is the only site in the Algoma District where PICC lines are inserted!
Linear Accelerator ($994,329)
In August of 2024, SAH completed construction on the new Linear Accelerator. After several months of downtime, radiation therapy was once again available – with new treatments! The upgraded system offers Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, which delivers precise high-doses of radiation to cancer cells, protecting healthy issues. While Cancer Care Ontario provided $2.25 million in funding for the unit, community support covered additional project costs.
Thyroid Uptake System ($47,495)
A specialized area of Medical Imaging at our hospital, Nuclear Medicine, received some much-needed equipment that keeps staff and patients safe! The thyroid uptake system plays an important role in measuring radioactive contamination in Nuclear Medicine. This helps keep our staff and patients safe while working with these materials. Without this tool, Nuclear Medicine would not be able to operate at SAH – it’s critical to us to ensure the safety of our staff and patients!
Infant Isolettes ($176,313)
SAH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) serves the entire Algoma District. It’s critical for our tools to be up-to-date to care for the smallest patients at our hospital. Isolettes are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in the NICU. Like a special, enclosed bed, isolettes manage temperature, humidity and oxygen levels to keep babies warm and safe. This year, we were able to fund 4 new isolettes for our NICU – and we plan to continue to fund more in 2025/2026!
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Alamos & Franco-Nevada
This year, Alamos Gold Inc. and Franco-Nevada Corporation made an investment into the future of medical imaging for the Algoma District. The two organizations committed to a gift $1M+ aligned to a future need in the Medical Imaging department. This significant gift will help preserve advanced imaging capabilities at SAH, which is critical to offering care close to home, in the Algoma District.
Steelworkers Make Great Neighbours
Steelworkers Unions were big supporters of local care this year!
United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2724 were instrumental in SAH Foundation’s GivingTuesday campaign in December, pledging $50,000 to match gifts. The aim was to raise “$100k in a day”. The results? Over $160,000 was raised to fund 49 new vital signs monitors across the hospital! USW Local 9548, was one of those who stepped up to support this initiative, contributing $10,000 toward the target.
USW Local 2251 followed in January, making a $71,785 gift to fund 2 neonatal CPAP units. These machines help support the breathing of small babies, providing oxygen so their little lungs don’t have to work as hard. Once again, our local steelworkers have shown what it means to be great neighbors – and we’re grateful for their continued support of SAH Foundation.
On August 20, 2024, we celebrated the unveiling of a beautiful art structure by Northern Ontario artist Kathryn Corbiere (One KWE) commemorating the $1 million gift Algoma Steel made to Northway Wellness Centre in 2022. Algoma Steel’s gift supported the creation of two outdoor courtyards with therapeutic gardens, a covered and accessible staff entrance, and supplied artwork for the interior of the building.
The artist, Kathryn, shared as part of her artist’s statement: “Made primarily with Algoma’s steel, the work is designed to patina which means the work will change over time as it’s exposed to various elements. I love this aspect of the sculpture, changing like we all do, through life, and in our processes of healing. The stainless steel wave of feathers flowing over the back of the hawk is representative of the St. Mary’s River, a historically important and culturally significant waterway. The hawk carries the strength of the river on its back as it soars through the air at the Northway Wellness Centre. The sculpture is just like this Centre – created by people in the North for people in the North.”
Northway Art Structure
EVENTS & LOTTERIES
So many groups and organizations came together in support of SAH Foundation this year, putting together athletic events (like fun runs and golf tournaments), performances, lotteries, car shows, and school fundraisers!
Thank you to the many groups, organizations and individuals who held, attended, or assisted with events.
 Northland Barbershop ChorusNorthland Barbershop Chorus presented its 57th annual show, “Till There Was You”, on April 6, 2024, at the Sault Community Theatre Centre. The performance featured the 40-member chorus in a unique acappella production set in “Heaven’s waiting room,” blending music and storytelling. Proceeds from the event supported the Speech Language Pathology Unit at SAH. |  Run The Great LakesThe 25th annual Run the Great Lakes attracted over 560 participants, making it the city’s largest race to date! Runners, walkers, and families enjoyed 1K, 2K, 5K, and 10K routes along the St. Mary’s waterfront. The event raised more than $30,000 each for ARCH Hospice and SAH Foundation, bringing total funds raised over the years to $150,000+. |  An Evening at HogwartsThe fourth annual “An Evening at Hogwarts” fundraiser enchanted over 500 guests, raising a record-breaking $47,000 for Cancer Care at SAH. Held at The Machine Shop, the event featured immersive experiences like the “Wee Wizard Tour” for kids and a themed gala inspired by the 5th book in the series, “The Order of the Phoenix”. |
|---|---|---|
 Ski the TrailsThe 14th Annual Ski the Trails event at Hiawatha Highlands was a snowy success! New this year, top fundraising prizes were given out for individual participants and teams. In addition, a Kilometer Challenge challenged participants to ski, snowshoe or fat bike the trails and log as many KMs as possible on the Strava app. |  Golf TournamentsEach summer, multiple groups organize charity golf tournaments in support of SAH Foundation, with proceeds helping purchase critical medical equipment. In summer 2024, this included the G. Marconi Society, Arauco, SSM Professional Fire Fighters Association, and family and friends of Mitch Prpich. |  Holiday Home TourThe Holiday Home Tour returned for its second year, treating guests to festive home decor, guided tours, and a holiday social. Guests began the tour at the Tap Room, and boarded buses for guided visits to four beautifully decorated homes throughout the city. After their tour, attendees enjoyed a holiday social, and an opportunity to connect with the homeowners to get inspiration for their own seasonal decor! |
 5 Car DrawThe 34th Annual Car Draw raised over $125,000 thanks to community support. One winner drove off in a brand new Toyota Camry, while the other 4 took cash prizes. |  SAHF 50/50SAHF 50/50 gave away over $1 million in prizing in 2024/2025, including 12 grand prizes and 17 early-bird prizes. 2025 marked the launch of “memberships” – where supporters could automatically purchase tickets each month. After expenses, 50/50 raised over $360,000 in 2024/2025. |  Split the PotIn early 2024, SAH Foundation joined other Ontario Hospitals for 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. |
2024/2025 RESULTS
Donation revenue was the largest source of income for SAHF – almost 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 2/3 of SAHF’s overall expenses.
Overall, a total of $4.8 million (revenue after expenses) was raised in 2024/2025. Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s success!
REVENUE
EXPENSES
$4.8
MILLION
available for disbursement
2024/2025: DISBURSEMENTS
Medical Imaging
$2,360,405
Women & Children's Health
$226,709
Emergency Department
$55,418
Cancer Care
$1,012,487
Pharmacy
$155,069
Renal
$53,305
Hospital-Wide
$546,766
Critical Care
$99,471
Ophthalmology
$41,182
Surgical
$310,743
Mental Health
$91,308
Biomedical Engineering
$33,913
$4.8 MILLION
disbursed in 2024/25*
*Timing of equipment purchases will span fiscal years – see “Deferred Funding” for details
2025/26 CURRENT NEEDS
NEW EQUIPMENT
For 2025/2026, more than 40 priority pieces of equipment will be purchased for departments across Sault Area Hospital.
In recent years, there has been an need for urgent replacement of items that stop working unexpectedly. This year’s budget includes $350,000 allocated for these “emergency purchases”.
$3.4
MILLION
for new equipment
Medical Imaging
$1.35 million
Hospital-Wide
$1.02 million
Surgical
$306,043
Ambulatory Care
$186,748
Critical Care
$178,511
Women & Children's Health
$166,703
Laboratory
$141,711
Allied Health
$43,631
Biomedical Engineering
$24,375
$2.1 MILLION DEFERRED FUNDING FROM 2024/25
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
$542,042
Laboratory
$414,440
Women & Children's Health
$323,400
Hospital-Wide
$296,241
Critical Care
$271,575
Mental Health
$125,235
Ambulatory Care
$75,908
Surgical
$45,144
Rehabilitation
$21,467
Pharmacy
$21,152
$1.5 MILLION FINANCED EQUIPMENT
High-cost items and bulk purchases of equipment needed across the hospital are often financed over multiple years to 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:
2023
-
Interventional
Radiology Suite -
Cardiac
Catheterization Lab -
Fluorology Room
2022
-
MRI
-
Patient Monitors
-
Medication Dispensing Cabinets
-
Surgical Instruments
2021
-
Sterile Processing
-
Picture Archiving
2020
-
OR Integration
-
Medication Packager
2019
-
Smart IV Pumps
-
Defibrillators
2018
-
Anesthesia Care Stations
$7 MILLION
to be provided to Sault Area Hospital in 2025/26
STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION
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 SAHF to 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.
COMMUNICATING IMPACT: COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Take 5: Love Local with the SSMCOC
The Foundation hosted a “Take 5” event in collaboration with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC). Over 100 Chamber members had the unique opportunity to interact with donor-funded medical equipment. They also had the chance to tour the Algoma District Cancer Program and see the new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine for radiation therapy or visit the new Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Equipment highlighted at the event included an infant isolette, endoscopic surgical tools, IV pump, heart monitor and vein viewer.
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!
Over 385 SAH Staff gave almost $70,000 through payroll donations this year.
This is an increase of almost $10,000 over last year!
CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS: GROW OUR DONOR COMMUNITIES
Employee Giving
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 the Employee Giving Program. This year, enhancements to the program included more outreach through a staff appreciation event, and special gifts for SAH staff who commit to making a payroll donation.
STRENGTHENING OPERATIONS: LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Endowment Policy
In early 2025, SAH Foundation Board approved a new Endowment Policy; a way to generate long-term, sustainable funding for SAH Foundation. When a donor chooses to make an endowed gift, their gift is given specifically to be safely invested. That initial gift stays intact, but the income generated from it can be used each year to support our work – creating an ongoing source of funding for our hospital.
Named Endowments – named by the donor who made the initial gift – can be established with a gift of $100,000 or more, and can be directed to supporting ongoing needs at the hospital overall, or in a specific area.
Please reach out if this is something that interests you.
We’d be happy to walk you through our new Endowment Policy in more detail.
CONTACT US
We're always happy to hear from you!
TERESA MARTONE
Executive Director
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3832
Ask me about:
Speaking Engagements, Media Inquiries, Partnerships
TIMOTHY MURPHY
Community Engagement & Events
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x7085
Ask me about:
Foundation Signature Events
ASHLEY CERRA
Gaming & Communications
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x7142
Ask me about:
Foundation Lotteries
TRISTAN GRANDINETTI
Finance
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3812
Ask me about:
Tax Receipts, Donor Designated Funds
JOHN R. FARRELL
Donor Relations
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x3845
Ask me about:
Making impactful personal gifts
LEE RENDELL
Donor Engagement & Programs
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x4372
Ask me about:
Leaving a legacy
MEGAN WIGMORE
Communications
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3816
Ask me about:
Foundation Communications, Donor Recognition
ADRIANA SAGRAK
Communications & Marketing Associate
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x4384
Ask me about:
Digital Communications
JULIE HAYES
Administrative Assistant
Email:
Tel.:
705-759-3434 x6886
Ask me about:
Making a Donation, Buying a Ticket