Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation is an incorporated, registered Canadian charity dedicated to financing key elements of local healthcare that fall outside regular government operating funding. Working in close partnership with Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), the Foundation raises and allocates funds for capital projects, diagnostic and clinical equipment, long-term care enhancements, community support services and professional development grants for healthcare staff.
Role of the Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation focuses on priorities identified by HHHS leadership and community needs across Haliburton County. Its support includes major capital equipment such as CT scanners, mammography and ultrasound upgrades, PACS imaging software and replacement of aging X-ray suites. Beyond hospital-based care, the Foundation invests in long-term care homes, improving systems, shared spaces and resident rooms to better support physical and mental health.
Funding also strengthens Community Support Services through subsidies for essential programs. This includes helping deliver thousands of Meals on Wheels annually and underwriting transportation to medically necessary appointments in larger centres like Toronto, Ottawa and Peterborough when services are not available locally.
Support for staff education and capacity building
The Foundation provides professional development grants that allow HHHS staff to upgrade their skills and adapt to innovations and changing healthcare needs. These learning opportunities help attract, retain and grow a strong local workforce, which in turn improves the quality and continuity of care throughout the region.
Community engagement, campaigns and accountability
Through targeted campaigns such as the “Here for You in the Highlands” diagnostic imaging initiative and seasonal appeals like the Magic of Giving holiday campaign, the Foundation mobilizes individual donors, corporations and community groups. It offers many ways to contribute, including online and phone donations, monthly giving, memorial and tribute gifts, planned giving, corporate giving, sponsorships and hosting third-party events.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by staff and volunteers. It reports back to the community through annual meetings, audited financial statements, annual reports and regular impact reports that detail funded projects, outcomes and donor recognition programs. Donor recognition walls, a Book of Honour and clear donor rights policies underscore its commitment to stewardship, transparency and respect for donor intentions.