Meet Lee Rendell
Hello! I’m Lee, and I work in Donor Engagement and Programs at Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF). I started at SAHF in December 2020, and it’s hard to believe it’s already been five years! My role involves designing and implementing donor programs - I get to engage groups of supporters in both fun and meaningful ways.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Balance and chaos! I connect with donors and community members by phone, email, and in person, while also supporting events and other team projects. I use my creativity and marketing background to develop donor programs and community initiatives, like our BFF (Biweekly Foundation Friends) campaign and Grade 6 school presentations. Every day is different, and I’m always switching gears (and sides of my brain!).
What do you love most about the work you do?
I love the balance of creativity, strategy, research, and working with people. I like seeing all angles of the whole, and then fully realizing it. Most of all, I love knowing that my work makes a positive difference in my community and aligns with my values.
Why do you work at Sault Area Hospital Foundation?
I gained experience working with non-profits through jobs and summer internships. After that, I was hooked. When I graduated university, I interned with the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, became a Big Sister, and then spent the next decade managing Fund Development at ARCH Hospice.
When my daughter was diagnosed with severe double hip dysplasia, she needed several major surgeries. Going through that experience opened my eyes to how healthcare is funded and the important role donors play.
While we had to travel for her surgeries and specialist appointments, we could have some of her care done right here at Sault Area Hospital. That local care saved our family so much time. The equipment used to care for her—from the stretcher and monitors to the x-ray machine—was funded by donors, which made the impact of local giving very real for me. I work at SAHF for my family, and for every family in Sault Ste. Marie.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Lots! I love camping, reading, music, and going on adventures with my friends and dogs. My husband and I own Case’s Music, so music is a big part of my life. I’m also always doing something creative, whether it’s painting, sewing, crocheting, woodworking, design, or building websites. I love board games, puzzles, good food, Lego and video games—and I’m a big sci-fi and fantasy geek.
If you could choose a theme song for your work day, what would it be?
Haha—ONE SONG? I’d need a whole playlist! Something powerful, soulful, and eclectic—think Hold On by Alabama Shakes, Joy to the World by Three Dog Night, Ball & Biscuit by The White Stripes, What I Got by Sublime, Jump in the Line by Harry Belafonte, and Parabola by Tool.
What message would you want to share with our supporters/community?
Good inspires good. Your support builds the kind of future you want, for you, your family and your community. Sharing why you support inspires others to be “builders” too. Words can matter as much as donations.
