Giving Tuesday - Lakeridge Health Foundation

Every year for Giving Tuesday, Lakeridge Health Foundation recognizes the community members and hospital staff who represent our most dedicated supporters.

Today, on November 29, 2022 we would like to recognize the recipients of our Hospital Champion, Community Champion, and our Youth in Philanthropy Awards.

The Hospital Champion Award recognizes a staff member or team who goes above and beyond to raise funds and awareness for their Hospital. This year’s award was presented to Dr. John Dickie on November 2^nd at a special event celebrating the soon-to-be-funded surgical robot, a project he has been working on for several years.

As the Chief of Surgery at Lakeridge Health, Dr. Dickie is a proud advocate of the Foundation and our events, including our annual Gala. Dr. Dickie and his wife are also generous donors who believe in supporting and advancing health care in Durham Region.

Sandra Jack was recognized last week with our 2022 Community Champion Award. In 2021, Sandra celebrated the five-year anniversary of her cancer diagnosis by braving the CN Tower EdgeWalk with her best friend Krista Tabur and Oncologist Dr. Leta Forbes. The trio was able to raise over $15,000 in support of cancer care at the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre.

This past summer, five new team members braved the highest heights of Toronto, bringing the event’s two-year total to $29,625.

Sandra sadly lost her battle with cancer in early July, but her determination and tenacious spirit lives on in those she touched and those that will continue this fundraising challenge next year in the Third Annual Sandra Jack EdgeWalk.

Our Youth in Philanthropy Award was created in 2021 to recognize a child or youth who stepped forward to support local health care. This year, the award recognizes Seneca Trail Public School.

In 2015, beloved teacher Lisa Ducharme passed away due to brain cancer. In 2018, students Jenna, Madison, Hailey, and Madisen, and then-Principal Cristina Cox, began Ducharme Day. On Ducharme Day, Students were encouraged to wear colourful scarves and donated $2 each for cancer care at Lakeridge Health. Sadly in 2019, another teacher, Kim Clausen, lost her battle with cancer. The day was renamed Clausen/Ducharme Day, and a bake sale was added to the school’s fundraising efforts. Since 2018, Clausen/Ducharme Day has raised over $6,000 for cancer care at Lakeridge Health.

Please join us in giving thanks this Giving Tuesday and congratulating the 2022 winners!