Role of Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation is a hospital-based charitable foundation serving Winkler, Morden and the wider Pembina Valley region in southern Manitoba. Incorporated in 2001, it was created to allow the community to contribute financially to equipment, programs and infrastructure at the newly built Boundary Trails Health Centre that were not funded by Manitoba Health. The Foundation continues to raise and allocate philanthropic dollars to improve access to high-quality care close to home.
The Foundation’s mandate is to enhance the level of care within the hospital by providing financial support for advanced and innovative medical equipment, specialized programs and patient- and family-centered spaces. It supports a 94‑bed acute care regional facility that offers services such as emergency, intensive care, diagnostics, surgery, obstetrics, chemotherapy, dialysis, rehabilitation, speech and audiology.
Key funding priorities and types of support
Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation acts as a discretionary funder for internal hospital needs across multiple clinical and support areas. Its Achievements reports document annual investments in equipment, furnishings, technology and program costs. Examples include point‑of‑care ultrasound for the Emergency Department, bariatric beds and lifts for ICU, infant stabilization units and fetal monitors for Obstetrics, digital imaging plates for Diagnostics, dialysis chairs and monitors, rehabilitation and children’s therapy equipment, and surgical instruments and scopes.
The Foundation also commits significant operating funding to critical patient support programs. In palliative care, it fully funds one full‑time and one part‑time specialized nurse, a volunteer coordinator and spiritual care staff, along with equipment and comfort items for nine dedicated palliative rooms. It supports the Community Cancer Care Program through diagnostic and treatment equipment, patient comfort items and departmental renovations. Spiritual care services, including chaplaincy and counselling, rely entirely on donations channelled through the Foundation.
Education and staff development are another funding stream. The Foundation has supported professional conferences, specialized nursing certifications, simulation equipment, bursaries and recruitment initiatives, helping the hospital maintain skills and attract providers to the region.
Major capital and expansion funding
Beyond annual projects, the Foundation mobilizes community investment for large capital initiatives. Through its “The Future Is Now” expansion campaign, it has pledged $10 million toward a $100‑million multi‑phase expansion of Boundary Trails Health Centre, in partnership with Southern Health‑Santé Sud. Campaign materials describe new operating capacity, an enlarged Emergency Department, expanded Cancer Care, additional inpatient beds, a level‑2 nursery, enhanced palliative services, and a new Community Services Building that will consolidate public health, home care and child and youth rehabilitation.
Donor recognition levels, pledge options and securities donations are promoted, reflecting the Foundation’s role in stewarding large gifts and naming opportunities for major contributors.
Publics served and impact
Funding decisions are directed to improve patient care for residents of the Pembina Valley and surrounding communities, from birth through end of life. Investments in equipment reduce the need for travel to larger centres, while palliative, spiritual and volunteer programs enhance the human experience of care. By funding both capital assets and ongoing program costs, Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation functions as a key philanthropic partner in the regional health system, complementing government health funding and enabling a broader scope and quality of services.