On October 25, 1995, the Prince George Community Foundation was established. Started from an idea by then Mayor John Backhouse, a group of dedicated volunteers gathered together to explore the idea of a Community Foundation for Prince George.  25 years ago yesterday, it officially came to life. 

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone within our community and are so proud at what we’ve been able to achieve together,” says founding Board Member, Noreen Rustad. “True community development happens through the efforts of passionate citizens, and Prince George is known for its generosity and commitment to helping others—we attribute those qualities to the success of the Foundation over the years.    

The purpose of the Foundation is to raise funds and sustainably manage an endowment which then provides the opportunity to give grants to local charities and non-profits two times a year. Over its 25-year history, the Foundation has provided more than $2.7 million for projects championed by local registered charities who work to build a livable, resilient community. 

“Celebrations to recognize this important milestone will occur throughout the year as we look back at the history of the Foundation and the people who have made it what it is today,” says Alain LeFebvre, President, Prince George Community Foundation. “Although our events will look different than originally envisioned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a lot to celebrate as a community.”  

With the kickoff to the 25th Anniversary year comes the announcement of the recipient of our $25,000 Anniversary Grant. This grant was made possible by Canadian Tire - Prince George. The recipient of this one-time Anniversary Grant is the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation for their purchase of basic life support and CPR training equipment.  

"We are delighted to be the recipient of funding from this generous grant. The ability to combine our educational and clinical needs for equipment and training that will truly have an impact on how emergency response and treatment is taught and mentored throughout the region is exciting," says Judy Neiser, CEO for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. "The impact this grant will have for healthcare professionals and medical students in northern BC will be immense." 

These life-sized, anatomically correct human patients and trainers are used to provide realistic training for health care professionals. The equipment will be used across Northern BC to train undergraduate and post graduate x-ray technicians, respiratory therapists, lab technicians, licensed practical nurses, paramedics, registered nurses, and physicians.  

“The Prince George Community Foundation is honored to grant these dollars to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation for this critical, life-saving, training equipment. We thank Canadian Tire – Prince George for their generous support of the Foundation and our 25th Anniversary,” says Alain LeFebvre, President, Prince George Community Foundation.  

We look forward to sharing more about our history, the impact we’ve had on our community over the past 25 years and our vision for the future.  

Story originally published and written by the Prince George Community Foundation

Once again, Tim Hortons, through the amazing support received from their recent Smile Cookie campaign, deliver a staggering donation towards paediatric care in the North. This years' contribution of $43,214.27 surpassed last year’s total and will support medical equipment for our littlest patients in care at UHNBC. The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is incredibly grateful for such immense and generous support. To date Tim Hortons has provided over $1,000,000 to support better health outcomes for children!! When you support them, they are able to support us!! Thank you so much Tim Hortons Prince George!

RBC and RBC Wealth Management help to see safer patient transport with new state of the art equipment! Please find the full story below.

Meet Quokka! A beloved member of the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Clinic (SCAN Clinic) and a lovable hard working pup who is warming the hearts of children daily! Healthcare comes in many forms; typically in equipment and education, and in this case honoring a Donor’s a wishes and love for dogs. It’s new and exciting for everyone and a huge opportunity to provide the best of care in the region. Read the full story here...

Spirit of the North provides Mackenzie with a Transport Ventilator System. Pictured is L-R; Dr. Colin Mackenzie, Dr. Matt Robichaud, Dr. Andy Hamilton and Dr. Daniel Penman.
Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Healthcare Services

Although Mackenzie would be considered in most aspects short distance away, when transporting a patient, it can be a matter of life or death without the aid of a transport ventilator. These patients are often unable to breathe on their own or their breathing is severely compromised and hand-bagging is required the entire duration of the trip to the nearest healthcare facility. This is not optimum as the quality of the respirations are inconsistent, especially for up to 2 hours in the back of an ambulance. Dr. Daniel Penman accounted many times where this was in fact the situation endured for his patients in order to provide successful transport for patients from Mackenzie who required treatment at UHNBC.
“Thank you so much, this is excellent! My patients and my forearms greatly appreciate this as bag ventilating for hours on end can be quite taxing.” said Dr. Daniel Penman, MD, CCFP, Chief of Staff Mackenzie and District Hospital
At a cost of close to $35,000 we were grateful for $10,000 from Enbridge to support for this unit. Generous Donors from the Mackenzie area supported the remainder of this purchase through donations to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. On average at least 1-2 patients a month are being transferred. This equipment is suitable for both pediatric and adult patients who are in respiratory distress and need to be transferred to UHNBC.
“We are grateful when our Donors, both corporate and individual think long term and contribute generously to solutions that will have lasting impact for patients in the North.” said Judy Neiser, CEO for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.
You too can make a difference for patient care in the North. See us today, or donate directly to the area of your choice at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/12869

We are so happy to announce that once again Tim Hortons has chosen Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation as their charity of choice for Smile Cookie week! Did you know that since 2002 all funds raised for Smile Cookie have been dedicated here! Tim Hortons continues to give to Paediatrics at UHNBC which last year realized a donation of $42,142.42! That’s a lot of cookies! For more information on the Smile Cookie campaign and it’s impact on healthcare here at home please visit us https://www.spiritofthenorth.ca/community-partners/smile-cookie-campaign

This year we hope you choose to partake as well. We can’t wait to see how the city supports our littlest patients this year!