Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (LWDHF) is the philanthropic arm of Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, Ontario. Created in 1992, it acts as a financial bridge between the community and the hospital, channeling individual and corporate donations into concrete investments in medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades and patient-support programs. Since its inception, the Foundation has transferred more than $18 million to the hospital.
Role in the healthcare funding ecosystem
LWDHF focuses on capital needs that fall outside regular hospital operating budgets. Donations help purchase diagnostic imaging technology, emergency and ambulatory care equipment, devices for chronic and acute care, and many other clinical tools. Major campaigns such as the “Beyond the Scan” capital campaign and the ongoing “Tree of Life Appeal” concentrate community giving around priority equipment projects identified by the hospital.
Funding streams and special funds
The Foundation manages several giving vehicles and designated funds that translate directly into financial support for care:
- Tree of Life Appeal and seasonal campaigns supporting specific equipment priorities.
- Gifts of Gratitude, a grateful patient program where donations in honour of caregivers are directed to current capital equipment needs or chosen departments.
- Forms of Hope, a special fund providing support to local patients undergoing cancer treatment at LWDH.
- Monthly giving, memorial funds, pledges and planned gifts that can be directed to the area of greatest need or to particular programs of care.
- Signature fundraising events such as the Lifesavers Dinner & Auction, 50/50 draws, golf tournaments and community-led events that generate substantial equipment funding each year.
Governance, transparency and impact
The Foundation is governed by an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a small professional staff and thousands of volunteer hours annually. It publishes annual impact reports and audited financial statements, detailing how donor dollars are allocated to equipment purchases and hospital upgrades. Through these mechanisms, LWDHF ensures that community contributions are transformed into tangible improvements in diagnostic capacity, treatment quality and patient comfort for residents of Kenora and Northwestern Ontario.