Giving Tuesday Recognitions
Giving Tuesday is described as the world’s largest generosity movement.
On the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving, people are encouraged to express their generosity and make a difference in their community.
Each year for Giving Tuesday, Lakeridge Health Foundation recognizes the community members and hospital staff who represent our most dedicated supporters.
Today, December 3, 2024, we would like to celebrate the recipients of our Community Champion, Hospital Champion, and Youth in Philanthropy Awards.
The Community Champion is a person who embodies the spirit of philanthropy by demonstrating an outstanding commitment to Lakeridge Health Foundation and being an advocate for health care in Durham Region.
This year, our Foundation is proud to celebrate Marc Gibbons.
Marc kindly stepped forward as a patient spokesperson for Our Cancer Campaign, sharing his story about how his cancer journey impacted his life. He was also interviewed by CP24 earlier this year and highlighted the significant impact donor support has on patient care in our Hospital.
“When I found out I was receiving this award, I was stunned,” Marc laughed. “This has been such a journey. “
Marc’s philanthropic leadership and support extend well beyond this year.
His fundraising journey began in 2021 when he founded the community cycling event Port Perry Pedals.
That year, Port Perry Pedals raised over $40,000 to support the Port Perry Hospital Foundation and helped fund the arrival of a new CT scanner at that Hospital.
Two years later, Port Perry Pedals raised an incredible $56,000. Marc and the organizing committee kindly chose to support Our Cancer Campaign and the arrival of the first-ever PET-CT scanner in Durham Region.
Because of the generosity of Marc and donors throughout our community and beyond, the scanner was unveiled in November.
“I owe so much to the people who helped and encouraged me along the way. Today doesn’t happen without my friends and family. Thank you to them for the support they gave me during my treatments and while building Port Perry Pedals,” Marc said. “I’m so proud that we were able to accomplish this together.”
The Hospital Champion recognizes a staff member or team at Lakeridge Health who goes above and beyond to raise funds and awareness for their Hospital.
The Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Department at Lakeridge Health Oshawa has worked hard to find new and creative ways to engage Hospital staff while raising funds for our Foundation.
Since 2022, the Ugly Holiday Scrubs Design Contest and Pop-Up Shop has encouraged staff members to submit their holiday designs for the chance to have them printed on scrubs, sweaters, and more. The Pop-Up Shop has raised over $2,000 for our Foundation.
The team splashed back onto the scene in June with Dunking for Donations. The event brought Hospital staff together and gave them a chance to sink some familiar faces from Lakeridge Health. The dunk tank raised more than $4,500 in support of the arrival of PET-CT.
The DI Team also helps organize Lakeridge Health’s Spirit Carts. The carts can be found rolling through the halls of our Oshawa and Whitby Hospitals, brightening staff members' days in every department.
The 2024 Hospital Champion Award recognizes one of the driving forces behind these initiatives, Jennifer Meier.
Jenn has been a key figure in her department’s efforts. She steps up in many ways and is dedicated to ensuring our community has access to exceptional health care.
“I want to thank both the Diagnostic Imaging Department and the Oshawa Site Operations Committee,” said Jenn. “Their help has made initiatives like the Ugly Holiday Design Contest, Dunking for Donations, and the Spirit Cart not just possible, but also successful.”
“I’m proud to work in an environment where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” Jenn shared. “This award is not just mine; it’s a reflection of the amazing teams I am fortunate enough to work with every day. I share this honour with each of them.”
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 Robert Munsch Public School.
In February, Robert Munsch Public School students and staff held a Staff Scooter Hockey Game. In addition to collecting donations for admission to the game, students from the Rainbow Loom and Crochet Clubs made items that were sold as part of the fundraiser.
The school raised over $660 in support of cancer care at Lakeridge Health.
Please join us in giving thanks this Giving Tuesday and congratulating the 2024 winners!